Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri issues apology after elimination

Tunisia leader Ellyes Skhiri apologised to supporters after a subsequent consecutive defeat at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ confirmed the Carthage Eagles' exit from the opening phase.

When Tunisia arrived in Monterrey, where they are based during the opening phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, expectations were high. Despite below-par results in the build-up to the competition, there was genuine belief that the Carthage Eagles could finally reach the elimination stage stage for the opening time in their history books.

But once the action began, it quickly became clear that Tunisia were not at their best. The side that ended their Qatar 2022 campaign with a memorable victory over defending champions France have struggled to find that level again.

Their difficulties were evident in a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening contest – the heaviest loss in Tunisia's World Cup history books. The result prompted swift action from the Tunisian Football Federation, which parted company with Sabri Lamouchi, as well as appointed Hervé Renard, who previously held the advantage both Morocco, as well as 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 phase of 32.

The disappointment among the stars was clear after the full-time. Speaking to FIFA, leader Ellyes Skhiri expressed his deep regret towards Tunisia's supporters, as well as admitted that the side had fallen short of the standards required on football's biggest stage. “We have to be honest with ourselves,” he commented.

“When we look at our performances in the last two contests, the truth is simple: we do not have the level required for this competition right now. That is the reality. I am truly sorry to the Tunisian people.”

Skhiri's frustration, as well as disappointment were evident as he again apologised to the supporters. “We apologise to our supporters,” he commented. “We are deeply sorry, as well as 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, as well as show it on the field of play. That is what people expect from us – actions, nothing more.”

Tunisia's difficulties were particularly noticeable in the opening stages of both contests. 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 found the net after just four minutes through Daichi Kamada – the fastest FIFA World Cup strike in the Samurai Blue's history books.

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

The leader 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, as well as we have to congratulate them on their performance. We also need to apologise to our supporters once again, as well as accept the difference between the two sides today.”

Although Tunisia have been knocked out, they still have one group-stage contest remaining against Group F leaders the Netherlands at Kansas City Arena on Thursday 25 June.