Tunisia endured a bruising final preparatory match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, falling to a comprehensive 5–0 defeat against Belgium in a game that exposed defensive frailties and discipline issues.
The result means the North African side head into the tournament without a win in their last three outings, recording one draw and two defeats in that run.
Belgium opened the scoring midway through the first half through Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, who finished clinically to put the Europeans in control.
The advantage was doubled shortly after the restart when Charles De Ketelaere struck in the 53rd minute.
Tunisia’s hopes of a comeback were effectively ended just past the hour mark when midfielder Ismaël Gharbi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the Carthage Eagles to ten men.
With the numerical advantage, Belgium increased the pressure and ran riot in the closing stages.
Kevin De Bruyne added a third goal before Dodi Lukebakio got on the scoresheet, and Alexis Raskin rounded off the emphatic win to complete the rout.
Despite the heavy defeat, Tunisia will still head to the World Cup with hopes of improving on their historical record.
They have been drawn in Group F alongside Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands, with their opening fixture scheduled for June 15 against Sweden.
This will mark Tunisia’s seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup since their debut in 1978 in Argentina.
However, the Carthage Eagles are still searching for their first-ever qualification beyond the group stage.
