Tunisia coaching crisis: Nasreddine Nabi rejects World Cup SOS

Tunisia’s search for a new leader has hit a significant roadblock. Ex-Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi, the man widely tipped to lead the Carthage Eagles into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has reportedly turned down an offer from the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF).

The vacancy comes at a critical juncture for the national team. Following a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the 2025 AFCON—marked by a penalty shootout loss to a 10-man Mali side—the FTF moved quickly to sack Sami Trabelsi. However, their primary target to “restore competitiveness” has opted to stay on the sidelines.

The Nasreddine Nabi Decision: Sabbatical Over Silverware?

Despite being a free agent since leaving South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in October 2025, the 60-year-old Nabi appears committed to his current break from the game.

Nabi’s stock is currently at an all-time high; during his 15-month tenure with Chiefs, he successfully ended the club’s infamous 10-year trophy drought by securing the Nedbank Cup. While the FTF reportedly offered a high-stakes, short-term contract specifically for the World Cup cycle, sources indicate Nabi remains firm in his decision to continue his sabbatical.

Nabi’s rejection coincides with a period of intense soul-searching for Tunisian football. Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri recently sparked a national debate with a blunt assessment of the state of the game in his home country.

“We are lagging in so many areas,” Mejbri told RMC Sport. “All the people responsible for Tunisian football need to sit down together… we absolutely need to work and start everything from scratch.”

The Shortlist: Who is Next?

With only five months until the World Cup kicks off in North America, the FTF is under immense pressure to finalize an appointment. With Nabi out of the picture, the federation is looking at several high-profile alternatives:

Mouin Chaâbani: Currently leading Morocco’s RS Berkane.

Hussein Ammouta: The highly-regarded Moroccan tactician.

Franck Haise: Former OGC Nice manager with European pedigree.

The “Arsenal” Connection: In a bold move, icons Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have both been sensationally linked to the role as the federation hunts for a “statement” hire.

The incoming coach will have no time for a honeymoon period. Tunisia has been drawn into a daunting Group F for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face: The Netherlands, Japan and UEFA Playoff Winner.

The clock is ticking for the Carthage Eagles to find a navigator for what promises to be their most difficult World Cup campaign to date.