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Tom Hindle

Club World Cup Scouting Report: With strong pedigree, can African side Esperance de Tunis be a tricky matchup in group?

Esperance de Tunis have a glittering history, but may find themselves outmatched by more traditional powers

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One of four teams flying the flag for Africa in the Club World Dup, Esperance de Tunis have a wonderful history. They have 33 Tunisian top-flight titles, have won the Tunisian Cup 15 times, and have appeared in 14 straight CAF Champions Leagues. Success, then, is nothing new.

But it remains to be seen how well that might translate to a 32-team Club World Cup. While those 48 trophies are wonderful, they may find themselves challenged on the big stage. Still, there are plenty of reasons for excitement.

This is their fourth appearance at some iteration of the Club World Cup. They have yet to win a game at the competition but have held their own every time. For all of their disadvantages, they won't be pushovers. And perhaps being a tricky matchup, and representing a club with a wonderful pedigree might be enough.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is Esperance de Tunis with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the African side at the tournament.

  •  Rodrigo Rodrigues EsperanceGetty Images

    The Basics

    DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Tunisian Professional League 1

    CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Three previous appearances (2011, 2018, 2019)

    GROUP: D (Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis, Flamengo, Club Leon - TBD)

    OPENING MATCH: Flamengo - June 16, 9 p.m., Philadelphia

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  • How they got here

    Esperance de Tunis qualified via the ranking pathway due to their consistent appearances in the CAF Champions League over the past four seasons. They might have lost the 2023-24 final, but have done enough otherwise to earn a spot in this summer's marquee soccer event.

  •  Rodrigo Rodrigues EsperanceGetty Images

    The player to watch

    Esperance have attacking threats all over the pitch, largely thanks to their appeal to foreign players both in nearby countries and further afield. Rodrigo Rodrigues is the man to watch.

    He led Esperance in goals last season, and has enjoyed a fine career with stints in Brazil and Portugal. A word, too, for commanding center back Yassine Meriah, who captains the side and shepherds the best backline in the top flight.

  • Elias Mokwana, Esperance de Tunis, February 2025.Esperance

    Realistic Expectations

    Everyone should dream. The Club World Cup is an interesting thing, and if Chelsea, Flamengo, and others elect not to play their big names, then Esperance could have a chance in every game they play. Realistically, though, anything more than a group stage exit would be a minor miracle - although the prize money will do them nicely.