Moein Chaabani faces the task of rebuilding Tunisia after a disappointing 2026 World Cup, with a new generation of players potentially set to play a greater role in the national team’s future.
The 43-year-old coach has signed a four-year contract to lead the Eagles of Carthage and has been given the responsibility of developing a side capable of competing more strongly at continental and international level.
His selection of players will therefore be closely watched as Tunisia attempt to establish a new identity following their difficult World Cup campaign.
Among the players who could benefit from the change are five names who offer different qualities across midfield, attack and defence.
1. Sami Chouchane
Sami Chouchane could become an important option in midfield as Chaabani looks to increase the team’s energy and ability to control possession.
The Dijon midfielder is capable of operating in several roles, including as a defensive midfielder and in a more creative position.
That versatility could be particularly useful for a Tunisia side seeking greater movement and quality in possession.
Chouchane’s ability to perform different midfield duties gives Chaabani flexibility when selecting his team. The new coach could also provide him with the opportunity to establish himself more firmly within the national set-up.
The challenge for Chouchane will be to take advantage of those opportunities and develop into an influential figure in the new Tunisia project.
2. Ismail Gharbi
Ismail Gharbi is another player whose international career could take a significant step forward under Chaabani.
The attacking player has considerable technical ability and can operate in several positions in the final third. However, he has yet to establish the consistency required to become a decisive player for Tunisia.
Gharbi was included in Tunisia’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, giving him experience of the international environment despite not yet fulfilling his full potential with the national side.
Chaabani’s challenge will be to identify the role that allows Gharbi’s strengths to have the greatest impact.
If the coach can provide him with the right position and responsibilities, Gharbi could develop into one of Tunisia’s most influential attacking players.
3. Khalil Ayari
Khalil Ayari represents another potential part of Tunisia’s next generation.
The young winger plays for French club Dunkirk and could receive increased opportunities with the national team if he continues to develop at club level.
His pace and technical qualities make him an interesting attacking option, but the next stage of his development will depend heavily on his ability to turn those attributes into regular goals and assists.
Tunisia need attacking players who can do more than create opportunities. They also need players capable of consistently finishing chances.
For Ayari, the new era could therefore represent an opportunity to move beyond the status of a promising youngster and become someone capable of carrying greater responsibility for the national team.
4. Ghaith Zaalouni
At right-back, Ghaith Zaalouni could provide Chaabani with another solution.
The Club Africain player offers qualities at both ends of the pitch. He can contribute defensively while also helping his team progress the ball and move into attacking areas.
That ability could be valuable for Tunisia as the new coach attempts to improve the team’s performances on the flanks.
Zaalouni’s progress with Club Africain will be important to his international prospects. Continued strong performances could bring him closer to a regular place in Chaabani’s plans.
5. Adam Arous
Defender Adam Arous is another player whose development could attract attention during the rebuilding process.
The Kasimpasa defender could help broaden Tunisia’s options at the back as Chaabani seeks to establish greater stability in the defence.
Playing in the Turkish league also gives Arous exposure to a different level of competition and the demands of high-intensity matches.
Maintaining his form and establishing himself at Kasimpasa could strengthen his case for international selection.
A wider rebuilding project
The emergence of these five players does not necessarily mean they will become automatic starters under Chaabani.
Instead, they represent a group of players who could contribute to a wider transformation of the Tunisian national team.
Chouchane could provide greater depth and versatility in midfield, while Gharbi offers attacking creativity. Ayari represents a developing option in attack, Zaalouni could strengthen the right flank and Arous provides another potential solution in central defence.
Chaabani’s rebuilding process is unlikely to be restricted to these players.
The new coach could continue looking for emerging talent in the Tunisian league as well as players developing in European competitions.
The four-year contract gives Chaabani time to assess those options and gradually build a squad around the players he believes can deliver his preferred style.
For Tunisia, the objective is not simply to replace members of the previous generation. It is to create a team with a new identity and the ability to compete consistently at the highest level.
The performances of Chouchane, Gharbi, Ayari, Zaalouni and Arous could therefore become an important part of that process as the Eagles of Carthage begin a new chapter.
