Tunisia has dismissed head coach Sami Trabelsi after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, despite the team already qualifying for the World Cup.
The Tunisian Football Federation announced late Sunday that it had mutually agreed to end contracts with Trabelsi and his entire technical staff. The statement, posted on Facebook, offered no further explanation, leaving questions swirling around the timing of the decision.
Tunisia exited the tournament in the last 16, losing on penalties to Mali despite playing most of the match with a numerical advantage. Earlier performances also raised concerns, as Tunisia lost to Nigeria and managed only a draw against Tanzania in Group C.
Trabelsi, 57, had returned as coach in February and successfully led the Carthage Eagles to World Cup qualification. Tunisia topped its qualifying group, briefly restoring confidence before Africa Cup struggles dimmed expectations.
At the World Cup, Tunisia will compete in Group F against the Netherlands, Japan, and a European playoff winner. The sudden change signals a search for renewed direction as Tunisia prepares for football’s biggest stage.
