Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri has made history by becoming only the third player from his country to appear in three FIFA World Cups, after featuring in the 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments. The 31-year-old, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, earned his place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Skhiri joins an elite group of Tunisian footballers who have achieved this milestone, alongside goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi and defender Yassine Meriah. Mathlouthi, who retired from international duty in 2022, played in the 2006, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, while Meriah featured in 2018, 2022, and 2026. Skhiri's consistent performances in midfield have been crucial for Tunisia's national team over the past decade.
Born in 1995 in Lyon, France, Skhiri chose to represent Tunisia at the international level. He made his senior debut in 2018 and quickly became a key player. His disciplined and hard-working style earned him the nickname 'the discreet soldier' among fans and teammates. In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Skhiri played a vital role in Tunisia's historic 1-0 victory over France, though the team was eliminated in the group stage.
For the 2026 World Cup, Tunisia has been drawn into Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay. Skhiri's experience will be invaluable as the team aims to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
