At least eight Tunisia players have reportedly tested positive for a banned substance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with early investigations indicating the findings may have resulted from contaminated food rather than intentional doping.
According to the Daily Mail, traces of Clenbuterol were detected in samples collected from several members of the Tunisian squad during the tournament in Mexico.
Clenbuterol is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Although it is medically used to treat respiratory conditions by widening the airways, it is banned in sport because of its performance-enhancing properties.
Contaminated meat suspected
Initial investigations reportedly suggest that contaminated meat consumed during Tunisia’s stay in Mexico is the most likely source of the positive tests.
The report states that the clubs and football associations connected to the affected players have already been informed of the findings.
However, disciplinary action is not currently expected, as investigators believe the positive results are more likely to have been caused by food contamination than by deliberate doping.
Another setback for Tunisia
The reported doping issue adds to an already disappointing World Cup campaign for the North African nation.
Tunisia were eliminated at the group stage after suffering defeats in all three of their matches, losing 5-1 to Sweden, 4-0 to Japan and 3-1 to the Netherlands.
The disappointing results also led to the dismissal of the national team coach after the opening match, marking one of the most turbulent campaigns in the country’s World Cup history.
Previous cases in Mexico
The reported findings have revived memories of previous international sporting events held in Mexico, where athletes tested positive for Clenbuterol after consuming contaminated meat.
Several past investigations concluded that those positive tests resulted from food contamination rather than the intentional use of banned substances, prompting anti-doping authorities to examine each case carefully before determining whether sanctions were warranted.
Awaiting official confirmation
Neither the Tunisian Football Federation nor FIFA had issued an official statement on the reported positive tests at the time of publication.
FIFA has also declined to comment publicly, leaving uncertainty over whether further investigations or formal announcements will follow in the coming days.
Should the contamination theory be confirmed, the incident is expected to be treated as an unintended exposure rather than a deliberate anti-doping violation.
