Veteran French coach Franck Heyes on the verge of taking over the technical supervision of the Tunisian national football team , in a strategic move by which the Tunisian Federation seeks to rearrange the cards of the "Eagles of Carthage" and inject new blood into the team's veins in preparation for the upcoming international events, most notably the dream of qualifying and participating honorably in the 2026 World Cup .
Advanced negotiations and formal coordination
According to multiple local media reports, negotiations between the Tunisian Football Federation and the French coach have entered their final stages. Current discussions are focused on the precise terms of the contract, including financial details, its duration (expected to cover the World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself), and defining the responsibilities of the new coaching staff. These developments are being conducted in close coordination with official bodies, primarily the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to ensure all necessary conditions are in place for a successful outcome before the anticipated official announcement.
Background to the change: Turning the page on continental failure
These urgent moves come after the decision to terminate the contract of former coach Sami Trabelsi, following the team's early and disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat against Mali in the round of 16 proved to be the final straw, sparking outrage among Tunisian football fans and necessitating a radical change at the helm of the coaching staff to restore Tunisian football's prestige.
Who is Frank Hayes? And why is he the best choice?
Frank Haise enjoys a distinguished coaching reputation in European circles, particularly after his remarkable successes in Ligue 1. He is known for his flexible tactical approach and his ability to build competitive teams with well-considered resources, a fact clearly demonstrated during his successful stint with French club Lens, where he led them to compete with top European clubs. Analysts believe that Haise's philosophy could be the ideal solution for harnessing the potential of young Tunisian talents playing professionally in Europe and integrating them into a strong, cohesive unit.
Challenges of the 2026 World Cup and the importance of this stage
The upcoming stage is of paramount importance to Tunisian football, especially with the new format of the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which will see an increase in the number of participating teams, thus granting the African continent additional slots. Tunisia, which boasts a rich World Cup history as the first African team to win a match in the finals in 1978, aspires not only to qualify but also to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in its history.
The signing of a name of Frank Hayes’ stature reflects the Tunisian Football Federation’s desire to keep pace with global developments in football, and to rely on a training school that combines tactical discipline and attacking football, to ensure the return of the “Eagles of Carthage” to soar high in the world of football.
