As Tunisia prepares to compete in both the upcoming Arab cup in Qatar and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the nation’s football federation has paused negotiations with several players of dual nationality.The move comes amid uncertainty regarding commitments from potential recruits like Haithem Hassan and Aymen Souleiti, prompting a strategic shift to prioritize current squad cohesion during these crucial tournaments [[3]]. National team officials state that discussions will be re-opened following the Africa Cup of Nations, with an eye toward bolstering the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualification process.
نجوم تونس يقفون قبل اللقاء الودي ضد البرازيل، 18 نوفمبر 2025 (ساتير كيلبا/Getty)
The Tunisian Football Federation has paused negotiations with dual-nationality players targeted for the national team, ahead of crucial upcoming tournaments. The decision comes as the “Carthage Eagles” prepare for both the Arab Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
With some players hesitant to commit to representing Tunisia, the federation has temporarily halted talks with potential recruits to focus on immediate competitions. According to a source within the Tunisian Football Federation, the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco between December 21 and January 18, will not be bolstered by any new dual-nationality players at this time.
Recent negotiations have stalled with several players including Haithem Hassan, currently with Real Oviedo in Spain, and Feyenoord’s Aymen Souleiti. Talks have also hit roadblocks with Sporting Lisbon’s Allison Santos, who is in the process of obtaining Tunisian citizenship, and Rangers’ Youssef Chermiti.
As a result, Tunisia’s Sporting Director, Ziad Jaziri, in consultation with Head Coach Sami Trabelsi, has suspended all conversations with these players. The federation had hoped to add reinforcements before the Africa Cup of Nations, but the lack of commitment has prompted a shift in strategy. The source indicated that discussions will be revisited after the tournament, with a renewed focus on securing these players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Trabelsi revealed the roster for the Arab Cup in Qatar on November 22, and is finalizing the Africa Cup of Nations squad. That list is expected to closely resemble the team that recently played in a friendly against Brazil, with a few additions to account for players currently sidelined due to injury.
