A hypothetical vision created through artificial intelligence has offered a glimpse into what Tunisia’s squad for the 2026 World Cup might have looked like had former coach Sami Trabelsi remained in charge of the national team.
The exercise revisited the question many Tunisian supporters have continued to debate since Trabelsi’s departure following the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year: how would the “Eagles of Carthage” have approached the World Cup if the coach who guided the country through qualification had stayed until the tournament itself?
Using Trabelsi’s previous squad selections during the Africa Cup of Nations, the Arab Cup and World Cup qualification matches, artificial intelligence was used to analyse the players and tactical profiles most closely associated with the former coach.
The resulting projection suggested that Trabelsi would probably not have introduced major changes to the squad structure, instead continuing to rely on a core group of players who had formed the basis of his project before his dismissal.
According to the imagined scenario, continuity rather than revolution would likely have defined Tunisia’s preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In goal, Aymen Dahmen was identified as the clear first-choice goalkeeper, reflecting the confidence Trabelsi consistently placed in him during previous competitions.
The projection also included Sabri Ben Hassan among the goalkeeping options, with the possibility that a younger goalkeeper could have been selected as the third choice in the squad.
Defensively, the hypothetical lineup maintained much of the experience that characterised Trabelsi’s previous selections.
Yassine Meriah was viewed as a central figure in the back line because of his leadership qualities and experience, alongside defenders Montassar Talbi and Dylan Bronn.
On the left side of defence, veteran full-back Ali Maaloul was considered a strong candidate to regain his place in the national team under Trabelsi, who reportedly valued his ability to influence major matches.
On the opposite flank, the projection suggested that Ghaith Al-Zalouni could have earned a place in the final squad after strong domestic performances.
The scenario also anticipated continued trust in players who featured prominently during the Africa Cup of Nations, including Yan Valery.
In midfield, the imagined squad retained many familiar names associated with Tunisia’s recent campaigns.
Ellyes Skhiri was projected as a central figure, supported by experienced internationals Ferjani Sassi and Aïssa Laïdouni.
Hannibal Mejbri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane were also identified as likely inclusions, particularly because of their compatibility with Trabelsi’s tactical approach.
The artificial intelligence model suggested that the dismissed coach would probably have continued to prioritise players with strong physical qualities and tactical discipline, traits considered central to his football philosophy.
Further forward, attackers such as Issam Jebali, Firas Chaouat, Hazem Mestouri, Sebastian Tounekti and Elias Achouri were identified as players suited to Trabelsi’s preference for quick transitions and aggressive pressing.
The projection also suggested that younger players performing well domestically or in European leagues could have been given opportunities within the squad.
Although entirely hypothetical, the imagined list reflected what many observers consider the unfinished nature of Trabelsi’s national team project, which came to an end following Tunisia’s elimination in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations last January.
Tunisia is now preparing for its seventh World Cup appearance and has been drawn into a challenging Group F alongside Japan, Netherlands and Sweden.
With expectations growing ahead of the tournament, the debate over how Tunisia might have evolved under Trabelsi continues to remain a topic of discussion among supporters and analysts alike.
