Mouine Chaabani has used his first Tunisia squad to bring several senior players back into the fold, signalling a preference for reconciliation over a complete break with the past following the 2026 World Cup.
The new head coach could have used the tournament’s damaging aftermath to impose a wholesale change. Instead, he has retained much of the existing structure, recalled players previously left out and introduced new faces gradually.
Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, Aissa Laidouni, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Hamza Rafia are all back in the squad after missing the World Cup. For some, the omission had appeared to mark the end of their international careers.
The approach contrasts sharply with that of Sabri Lamouchi, who left several established players out of his first squad, including Sassi and Ben Romdhane. Chaabani’s selection suggests that previous decisions will not automatically prevent a player from returning under his leadership.
Experience, familiarity with the national team and the ability to cope with pressure remain important considerations for the new coach. Tunisia emerged from the 2026 World Cup badly damaged after losing all three matches and conceding 12 goals.
Players such as Sassi, Maaloul and Laidouni understand the demands surrounding the national team and could help guide a dressing room that has been weakened by that campaign. Their return may also ease tensions in the short term.
However, the strategy carries a potential danger. By relying on players from the previous generation, Tunisia could appear to be looking backwards for solutions to problems exposed at the World Cup. Reuniting the experienced group may restore calm without addressing every underlying weakness.
Chaabani has not offered a blanket amnesty. Ali Abdi remains absent despite withdrawing comments that had caused controversy before the World Cup.
The coach has not publicly linked Abdi’s omission to that episode, however, so it cannot automatically be interpreted as a disciplinary decision. His absence may simply reflect a sporting choice.
There is still evidence of a commitment to renewal. Sadok Kedida has received his first Tunisia call-up, while the returns of Alaa Ghram and Sayfallah Ltaief add further change without completely altering the established hierarchy.
Chaabani’s opening squad is therefore a compromise between continuity and renewal: reassuring senior players, calming an environment still affected by the World Cup and beginning to introduce alternatives.
The matches against Uganda and Botswana will provide the first indication of whether that balance can produce an immediate response. For now, the successor to Herve Renard is concentrating on restoring order and confidence before attempting deeper changes.