Tunisia
FIFA #29
The most experienced African nation at World Cups with seven appearances, and yet to make it out of the group stage. North Africa's great nearly-men, with real quality and a fanbase that never stops believing.
๐ In the US
Based in the Atlanta area, where a growing North African diaspora community will provide a genuine home crowd feel. Tunisia travels well, and their supporters will make sure no one in their section forgets who they're cheering for.
Style
Compact and disciplined, sitting in a tight defensive shape and looking to nick a goal on the counter rather than dominate possession.
Rivals
Algeria. The Maghreb derby is North Africa's most politically charged fixture, with a history on and off the pitch that makes kickoff feel like considerably more than just a game.
Home Base
Tunisia punches far above its weight in African football โ seven World Cup appearances from a country of 12 million is a remarkable record. During big matches, transistor radios in the medinas and cafรฉs all seem to play at once, and the whole country stops.
Human Rights
Freedom House
Political rights and civil liberties score (higher = more free)
Reporters Without Borders
Press Freedom Index ranking (lower = more free, out of 180 countries)
UN Human Development Index
Human Development Index score (higher = more developed, 0โ1 scale)
Transparency International
Perceived public sector corruption โ higher is cleaner
ILGA World
Legal status of same-sex relationships