Preview: Tunisia vs Liberia - prediction, team news, lineups

Unbeaten Tunisia continue their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign on Thursday as they welcome Liberia to the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium.

The hosts are pushing to cement top spot, but the visitors know a surprise result could transform their fortunes in Group H.

Match preview

Tunisia have been clinical and impenetrable throughout the qualifying campaign, boasting a perfect defensive record and ruthless efficiency in attack.

After six matches, Sami Trabelsi’s men have claimed five victories and one draw, putting them top of Group H with 16 points - four clear of second-placed Namibia, scoring nine goals without conceding any.

Trabelsi, now in his second spell as Tunisia coach following his February appointment, began his tenure with a 1-0 win over Liberia before overseeing a 2-0 triumph against Malawi.

His side then recorded mixed results in friendlies, defeating Burkina Faso 2-0 before losing 2-0 to Morocco - a game in which defender Ali Al-Abdi was sent off.

The North Africans have lost just two of their last 10 competitive matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding six.

On Thursday, they will aim to register a seventh consecutive clean sheet in the qualifiers and potentially stretch their lead at the top of the group.

Tunisia also enjoy a strong record against Liberia, winning five of their last seven encounters, drawing once and losing just once.

Liberia, meanwhile, enter this clash with cautious optimism, knowing they face one of Africa’s most disciplined sides but encouraged by their improved performances and the belief that they can cause an upset.

The Lone Stars currently sit third in Group H with 10 points from three wins, one draw and two defeats.

After a poor Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, where they finished bottom of Group E with only four points, Thomas Kojo’s men are seeking redemption on the road to the World Cup.

Their fortunes have been boosted by a FIFA ruling earlier in the qualifiers, which overturned a 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea into a 3-0 win after their opponents fielded an ineligible player.

Since then, Kojo’s men have battled to a 1-1 draw with Namibia and claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against Sao Tome & Principe.

Liberia were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Tunisia in March, conceding as early as the fourth minute, but they responded by edging Sao Tome & Principe 2-1.

Defensively, they have looked vulnerable, suffering four defeats in their previous six games and conceding 10 goals in the process.

Tunisia World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Tunisia form (all competitions):

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Liberia World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Liberia form (all competitions):

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Team News

Tunisia are boosted by the debut call-up of SC Braga midfielder Ismael Gharbi, who recently switched his international allegiance.

Sliema Wanderers forward Sulahmana Mamadu Bah has also earned his first call-up after winning the Maltese Challenge League Golden Boot with 20 goals last season.

Naim Sliti returns after missing the June friendlies, while Jimmy Farkarlun, who made his international debut in March, also returns after scoring the decisive goal against Sao Tome.

Liberia will be without defensive stalwart Sampson Dweh, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Moutaz Neffati has been rewarded with a first call-up following an impressive season with IFK Norrkoping.

Justin Salmon and Mohammed Sangare miss out, with the latter being excluded due to limited club minutes after recently joining a new team.

Tunisia possible starting lineup:

Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Laidouni, Mejbri; Sliti, Mastouri, Achouri

Liberia possible starting lineup:

Songo; Laomie, Balde, Pabai, Barshall; Kenneh, Tweh, Dorley; Farkarlun, Kosiah, Teah