Tunisian football plagued by dysfunction, says Radhi Jaïdi

Former Tunisian international Radhi Jaïdi has delivered a stark diagnosis of Tunisian football, attributing the national team's recent World Cup 2026 defeats not to isolated incidents but to a deep-seated problem of "several years of dysfunction."

In an interview with the German Press Agency, Jaïdi, a former defender for the Carthage Eagles, explained that the current crisis is the result of accumulated structural weaknesses in player formation, strategic planning, and overall development. He emphasized that the blame cannot be placed solely on the technical staff or the players but encompasses the entire national football system.

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consequence of several years of dysfunction

Reflecting on Tunisia's final match against the Netherlands, Jaïdi viewed it as an opportunity to "restore the image and sporting dignity" of the nation. He urged players to demonstrate discipline, tactical awareness, and strong character on the field, regardless of the challenge posed by a favored opponent. Such a competitive display, he argued, would send a positive message to Tunisian supporters.

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restore the image and sporting dignity

Jaïdi expressed regret over the state of Tunisian football, drawing a comparison with the structured and stable model of Japanese football. He advocated for a "global and profound reform" of the system, rather than relying on temporary justifications for recurring issues. He also commended the performance of Arab teams in the competition, particularly Morocco, which he identified as the best-equipped team to advance due to its stable technical leadership and talented squad.

Comparing World Cup editions, Jaïdi noted the logistical advantages of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with its compact venues. In contrast, he highlighted the significant logistical challenges of the 2026 World Cup, spread across multiple countries, which impacts both teams and fans due to extensive travel distances.

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global and profound reform