Tunisia captain Skhiri apologises after World Cup exit

Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri has apologised to supporters after the Carthage Eagles were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at the group stage following a second consecutive defeat.

When Tunisia arrived in Monterrey, where they are based during the group stage, expectations were high. Despite underwhelming results in the build-up to the tournament, there was genuine belief that the Carthage Eagles could finally reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. But once the action began, it quickly became clear that Tunisia were not at their best.

Heavy defeats end Tunisia's hopes

The side that ended their Qatar 2022 campaign with a memorable victory over defending champions France struggled to find that level again. Their decline was laid bare in a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match – the heaviest loss in Tunisia's World Cup history. The result prompted swift action from the Tunisian Football Federation, which dismissed Sabri Lamouchi and appointed Hervé Renard, who previously led both Morocco and Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup™. However, the limited time available to Renard was not enough to change Tunisia's fortunes. A 4-0 defeat to Japan officially ended their hopes of progressing to the round of 32.

Captain's apology

The disappointment among the players was clear after the final whistle. Speaking to FIFA, captain Ellyes Skhiri expressed his deep regret towards Tunisia's supporters and admitted that the team had fallen short of the standards required on football's biggest stage.

“We have to be honest with ourselves,” he said. “When we look at our performances in the last two matches, the truth is simple: we do not have the level required for this tournament right now. That is the reality. I am truly sorry to the Tunisian people.”

Skhiri's frustration and disappointment were evident as he again apologised to the fans.

“We apologise to our supporters,” he said. “We are deeply sorry and very disappointed. We understand that they are not happy at all, and apologies alone are not enough. There is nothing else we can say. We simply have to work, improve and show it on the pitch. That is what people expect from us – actions, nothing more.”

Early goals prove costly

Tunisia's difficulties were particularly noticeable in the opening stages of both matches. Against Sweden, they conceded inside the opening six minutes when Yasin Ayari found the net from long range following a series of individual mistakes. The same problem resurfaced against Japan, who scored after just four minutes through Daichi Kamada – the fastest FIFA World Cup goal in the Samurai Blue's history.

“We conceded too many goals and made too many individual errors,” Skhiri admitted. “At this level, you cannot afford to make mistakes like that.”

The captain also acknowledged Japan's superiority.

“Our problem was not a lack of effort. We simply do not have the required level right now. Japan were much better than us and we have to congratulate them on their performance. We also need to apologise to our fans once again and accept the difference between the two teams today.”

Although Tunisia have been eliminated, they still have one group-stage match remaining against Group F leaders the Netherlands at Kansas City Stadium on Thursday 25 June.