Tunisia secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on Monday, joining Morocco as the second African team to qualify. 

Mohamed Ben Romdhane struck deep into stoppage time to confirm the Carthage Eagles’ place at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The match was fiercely contested, with the hosts dominating for long spells as they sought to keep alive their own qualification hopes. 

Equatorial Guinea created several chances in the second half but found Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in inspired form, denying efforts from Saul Coco, Emilio Nsue, and Alejandro Masogo.

With the game heading towards a stalemate, Tunisia struck in the final moments. Firas Chaouat robbed Coco of possession before racing into the penalty area and unselfishly squaring for Ben Romdhane, who slotted past goalkeeper Jesus Owono to spark jubilant celebrations.

The result ensures Tunisia finishes top of Group H with two matches to spare, extending their unbeaten run in the qualifiers. 

Remarkably, the North Africans have not conceded a single goal in their eight group-stage outings, underlining their defensive resilience.

It marks Tunisia’s seventh appearance at a World Cup, although the national side have yet to progress beyond the group stage in the competition. 

They now join North African rivals Morocco, who booked their place on Friday with a victory over Zambia.

For Equatorial Guinea, defeat leaves their hopes hanging by a thread. The National Thunder sit fourth in the group, two points behind Namibia in second, having played a game more. 

Their federation has appealed against FIFA’s ruling to forfeit two earlier matches for fielding an ineligible player — a decision that, if overturned, could revive their qualification chances.

They could be joined by the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Tuesday should they beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Bloemfontein where they face they will face the West Africans.