AGP Executive Report

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico with 48 teams and 104 matches, and Group F is already drawing major attention for Tunisia’s challenge alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden. Tunisia Football Focus: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is framed as a real shot at the knockout stage, with the Netherlands’ Koeman calling a warm-up loss a wake-up call and Tunisia’s own Lamouchi urging improvement ahead of the tournament. Digital Connectivity: Tunisia’s ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, boosting secure, high-capacity Europe–North Africa connectivity. Security & Defence: Tunisia received 48 US-made Humvees to strengthen border security and help combat terrorism, smuggling and organised crime. Scam Warning: Online casino ads are being used to trick people; authorities urge users not to click social media “casino” promotions and to report suspected fraud. Sports Culture: A Greek choir in Tunisia highlights growing cultural ties as Tunisia’s shores host new cross-border music exchanges.

World Cup Build-Up (Tunisia): Tunisia’s coach Sabri Lamouchi says the team’s knockout dream starts with a defence that can handle Group F’s step up, after Tunisia qualified with a near-perfect record and conceded zero goals in qualifying. World Cup Group F (Netherlands-Japan-Tunisia): The Netherlands head into the tournament after a late 1-0 warm-up loss to Algeria, with Ronald Koeman calling it a “wake-up call” ahead of their opener. World Cup Logistics (Japan): Japan’s camp in Mexico turned chaotic as the squad changed training venues twice in Monterrey over poor pitch conditions, before settling and continuing preparations. Tunisia Politics (Terror Case): A Tunisian court sentenced opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi to life in prison in the “secret apparatus” terror case, with other Ennahdha figures also receiving long terms. Tunisia Economy (Monetary Policy): Tunisia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 7%, citing a “prudent” approach to support price stability and macroeconomic balance. Governance Training (Tunisia): Tunisia is among four African countries sending senior officials to an Italy-backed governance capacity programme running until 2027.

World Cup Build-Up: Japan switched Monterrey training sites after players hit an uneven, patched pitch, moving from Tigres’ facility to Rayados’ El Barrial ahead of matches that include Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20. Group F Focus (Tunisia): Tunisia’s World Cup path gets a boost in coverage of Group F, where the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all eye knockout spots, with Tunisia highlighted as a tough opponent. Local Football Watch: Sweden and Greece played out a 2-2 draw in a pre-World Cup friendly, with Masouras scoring late as Sweden look to sharpen up for Group F. FIFA Fan Rules: FIFA updated its Stadium Code of Conduct, banning reusable water bottles at World Cup stadiums. Tunisia & Travel: UK Foreign Office guidance says Tunisia’s main tourist areas are generally safe, but warns against travel near the Tunisia-Libya border and parts of southern/western Tunisia. Connectivity for Tunisia: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte reached Ready for Service, moving from construction to full operational availability. Tunisia Politics: Former Tunisian intelligence chief Kamel Guizani alleges Saied-linked officials spied on opponents and fabricated cases to imprison them.

Tunisia Politics: Tunisia’s opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi and Ennahda figures were sentenced to long jail terms, including life imprisonment, in a terrorism-related “secret apparatus” case, with Ghannouchi receiving life plus 30 years and his deputy Ali Larayedh getting 42 years. World Cup & Tunisia: Tunisia is set for another World Cup run in Group F against the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, with fans watching for a breakthrough after years of group-stage exits. Regional Diplomacy: A Maghreb forum in Tunis called for a unified regional strategy to curb smoking, pushing stronger cooperation across Tunisia, Libya and Algeria. Digital & Infrastructure: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable link between France and Bizerte reached Ready for Service, boosting direct, resilient connectivity between Europe and North Africa. Culture & Film: Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated docudrama “The Voice of Hind Rajab” finally received a censor certificate in India, clearing the way for a June 19 release. Global Rights: A new Global Rights Index flags South Africa over rising attacks on workers, warning the crisis is moving beyond isolated incidents.

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada, with 48 teams and 104 matches, and Tunisia placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden—Tunisia’s coach Sabri Lamouchi and key players like Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri are in focus as fans look for a first-ever knockout breakthrough. Tunisia Court Ruling: Tunisia’s opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi has been sentenced to life imprisonment in a terrorism-related case tied to Ennahda’s alleged “secret apparatus,” with his deputy Ali Larayedh also receiving a long prison term. Migration Rights in Libya: An NGO called “Refugees in Libya” condemned dehumanizing rhetoric and threats of mass evictions against migrants and refugees, warning that language like “infiltrators” fuels abuse. Business & Health: Morocco’s Akdital is accelerating Gulf expansion with a third Saudi hospital, while also eyeing a potential acquisition of Tunisia’s Taoufik Hospitals Group. Travel Disruption: More than 150 Ryanair passengers were stranded at Toulouse-Blagnac after border queues and staff shortages caused missed flights. Tech & Connectivity: UK regulator Ofcom says mobile reception on trains is poor most of the time, and onboard Wi‑Fi performs badly—an issue for travelers heading to major events.

World Cup squads (Africa focus): FIFA has published the full 48-team rosters for the June 11–July 19 tournament, with 1,248 players selected and Tunisia among Africa’s 10 representatives (Algeria, Cabo Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia). Tunisia court crackdown: A Tunisian court sentenced Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi and other party officials in the “secret apparatus” case, with terms ranging from 10 years to life on terrorism-related charges. Tunisia in the spotlight (film): The Tunisian-French film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has received CBFC clearance in India and is set for release on June 19 after months of certification uncertainty. Tunisia football build-up: Japan arrived in Monterrey for its pre-World Cup camp and will face Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20, as Group F preparations intensify. Migration policy shock (EU): The EU approved a provisional plan to deport and confine undocumented migrants in offshore detention centers, listing Tunisia among designated “safe” third countries.

Court Verdict in Tunisia: Rached Ghannouchi and Ali Larayedh were sentenced in the “secret apparatus” terrorism case, with prison terms ranging from life plus decades to life imprisonment for multiple defendants, as Tunisia’s terrorism court handed down late rulings. World Cup Countdown: FIFA confirmed the full rosters for all 48 teams and 1,248 players heading to the 2026 World Cup, with Spain and France leading early title odds. Belgium vs Croatia Warm-up: Romelu Lukaku returned to score as Belgium beat Croatia 2-0, with Youri Tielemans opening the scoring, and Belgium set to face Tunisia next. Tunisia Exams Update: Tunisia’s 2026 Baccalaureate main session starts Wednesday for 162,435 candidates, with nearly 6,000 exam centers mobilized and results due on June 23. Sports Business & Culture: Morocco is ranked Africa’s top World Cup squad by market value, while Tunisia’s presence in the tournament continues to draw attention.

Tunisia World Cup build-up: Austria edged Tunisia 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Vienna, with Marcel Sabitzer scoring the winner after Konrad Laimer’s red card left the hosts 10 men from the 37th minute; Tunisia hit the woodwork three times and will now face Belgium in their last warm-up before Group F starts. Group F focus: Sweden also finished preparations with a 3-1 win over Norway, while Tunisia’s Group F rivals are set for the June 15 opener against Sweden in Monterrey. Squads locked in: FIFA confirmed the first wave of 26-man rosters for the 48-team World Cup starting June 11, with Tunisia listed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden. Korea-Africa diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with Tunisia and other African counterparts in Seoul, while Korea also urged Libya to expand Korean firms’ presence—an effort that underlines Tunisia’s role in regional cooperation. Trade boost: Tunisia’s olive oil exports jumped sharply in the first half, rising to about 295,400 tons worth TND 3.6 billion.

World Cup Kickoff Countdown: FIFA’s 2026 World Cup starts June 11, with final 26-man squads due today and official announcements set for June 2; Tunisia’s Group F opener is Sweden vs Tunisia on June 14 in Monterrey. Austria vs Tunisia Warm-up: Austria beat Tunisia 1-0 in their friendly as Konrad Laimer was sent off for deliberate handball and Marcel Sabitzer scored the winner after Tunisia hit the woodwork three times. Netherlands Squad Update: Memphis Depay says he never doubted he’d be fit for the Netherlands squad after a thigh injury setback, as he returns to action with match fitness the focus. Tunisia Judicial Independence Under Pressure: Women Journalists Without Chains condemns Tunisia’s alleged systematic repression of judges and independent legal voices, citing arrests and prosecutions tied to defending the rule of law. Tunisia Environment Watch: Greater flamingos nested for the first time at Lake Ichkeul, linked to major shifts in the lake’s balance and rising salinity. Road Safety Over Eid: Tunisia’s National Road Safety Observatory reports 17 deaths and 38 injuries in 24 crashes during the first three days of Eid al-Adha. Tunisia Tax Calendar: The General Directorate of Taxes lists June 2026 deadlines, including June 15 for individuals’ monthly returns and June 30 for wealth tax.

World Cup 2026 Focus (Tunisia): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is set with Group F rivals Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, and the squad’s buzz includes Anis Ben Slimane’s return after a strong club season and Japan’s injury-hit preparations that could shape the group race. Tunisia in Numbers (Telecom): Tunisia’s telecom sector turnover topped TND 1 billion in Q1 2026, reaching TND 1.03 billion, as fixed-line growth and 5G rollout keep lifting demand. Gaza Solidarity in Tunis: Hundreds marched in central Tunis in solidarity with Palestinians, denouncing the Gaza blockade and calling out Arab governments over perceived inaction. Tunisia Exports (Fruit): Tunisian fruit exports climbed to about $15.57m since the start of 2026, with blueberries gaining traction in India and Libya remaining the biggest buyer by volume. Aviation (Tunisia-linked): flyadeal marked International Cabin Crew Day by graduating 25 new cabin crew, including recruits from Tunisia, after seven weeks of training in Jeddah. Global Rights Watch: A new ITUC report flags systematic labor-rights violations worldwide, with Tunisia listed among countries under pressure.

World Cup Injury Shock: Canada midfielder Marcelo Flores will miss the 2026 World Cup after tearing his ACL in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, a major blow for coach Jesse Marsch as Canada prepares for friendlies and a June 12 opener vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Socceroos Squad Update: Australia named its final 26-man World Cup squad, with Cristian Volpato making the cut and the team set for a fresh look in the tournament. Japan’s Final Warm-Up: Japan edged Iceland 1-0 in Tokyo with a late Koki Ogawa winner, heading into Group F against the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Tunisia & Gaza Solidarity: Hundreds marched in central Tunis to back Palestinians in Gaza, denouncing the blockade and calling out Arab governments over “normalization.” Diplomacy in Focus: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti is in Seoul for the second Africa–South Korea foreign ministers meeting, aiming to deepen economic, trade and tech cooperation. Public Health Alert: WHO chief Tedros visited DRC’s Ebola-hit Ituri province, warning the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines and urging early treatment and safe burial. Fertility Trends: New data highlights Africa’s still-high birth rates, while Tunisia is among countries seeing fertility fall as urbanization and healthcare access rise.

World Cup Focus: Group F is shaping up as a real headache for favorites, with the Netherlands drawn alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia—Japan’s fast, counterpunch style and Tunisia’s deep, compact approach could decide who tops the group. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisia’s place in the 2026 World Cup group is also tied to broader preparations, including friendly match build-up and squad planning as the tournament nears. Local Sports & Traffic: The Ministry of Interior has issued traffic and access rules for the Tunisian Cup final on May 31 in Radès, including road closures near National Road No. 1 and early stadium gate opening. Justice Watch: Tunis Court of First Instance handed down prison terms of 6 to 15 years to a female drug-trafficking network selling narcotic tablets near schools and targeting young people. Public Safety: After the Meknassi tragedy, authorities ruled out watermelon as the cause, but reminders stress hygiene for cut fruit. Culture: Tunisia’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs mourned actress Malika Hablani, praising her major TV roles. Regional Economy: The EAEU approved free-trade talks with Tunisia, positioning the country as a gateway to Africa.

World Cup Focus: Tunisia’s Group F is set for June 25 in Kansas City, with the Netherlands arriving as favorites but facing Japan, Sweden and a Tunisia side expected to defend deep and strike on chances. Sports & Tunisia Abroad: Tunisia-linked football news keeps rolling, from Ahmed’s Canada World Cup squad inclusion to the Netherlands’ 26-man roster drama as Jeremie Frimpong is left out. AI & Economy: Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa for generative AI use (13.5% of working-age people), while the Central Bank says cash in circulation hit a record 29.7 billion dinars ahead of Eid al-Adha. Trade & Diplomacy: The Eurasian Economic Union has begun free-trade talks with Tunisia, positioning the country as a gateway to African markets. Business Watch: Monoprix Tunisia reported 2025 revenue of about US$266.1M, up 13.5%, with improved cash generation. Weather: Heatwave conditions are easing, with rain expected to start from Friday evening and intensify Sunday to Tuesday, mainly in Tunisia’s northwest.

World Cup countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico with 48 teams, and Tunisia’s campaign is in the spotlight as players gear up for Group F. Tunisia squad & warm-ups: Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery is set to start for Tunisia at the tournament, with friendlies in Austria and Belgium before the opener. Local health shock: Two people died after a collective food poisoning incident in Sidi Bouzid’s Meknassy, with officials saying early indications point to couscous with osbane—not watermelon—while seven others remain in care. Economy & jobs: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs opens an external recruitment drive for senior engineers (civil engineering and IT) with online applications from June 1 and exams starting July 20. Trade ties: The Eurasian Economic Union will begin free-trade zone negotiations with Tunisia, positioning the country as a gateway to African markets. Telecom growth: Tunisia’s telecom turnover hit 1.0249 billion dinars in Q1 2026, driven by fixed 5G expansion. Agriculture exports: CEPEX will run a Tunisian olive oil promotion mission in Senegal from July 8–10, targeting long-term B2B partnerships.

Tunisia’s Financing Push: The AfDB says Tunisia should diversify financing partners and lean more on multilateral guarantees, blended finance and diaspora mobilisation as reforms lag and debt and climate shocks bite. Telecom Growth: Tunisia’s telecom turnover hit 1.0249bn dinars in Q1 2026, with fixed 5G FWA subscribers jumping to 277,616. Consumer Mobility Rights: OTIC launched the “Tunis Declaration” to defend visa applicants against rising fees, intermediaries and opaque procedures. World Cup Camp Drama: Nice backed Tunisia full-back Ali Abdi after threats over missing a relegation play-off second leg; he’s pictured in Tunisia as he prepares for the Sweden opener. Air Connectivity: Tunisia resumed direct flights with Iraq, with weekly Iraqi Airways services expected to boost tourism and trade. Agriculture & Trade: CEPEX will organise a Tunisian olive oil promotion mission in Senegal (July 8-10) to build B2B links under AfCFTA. Housing Demand Shift: Renovation loans are rising fast, reflecting higher new-home costs and changing preferences.

Tunisia & the World Cup: Tunisia’s World Cup build-up is in full swing as Group F looms with Tunisia drawn against the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, and reports highlight the squad mix and key names as Carthage Eagles chase a first-ever deep run. Sports—Japan vs Tunisia spotlight: Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu says he feels a “sense of responsibility” after injury setbacks, with Japan’s opener against the Netherlands and Tunisia in the same group raising the stakes. Tunisia tourism push: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is promoting the destination in China at ITB China 2026, meeting tour operators and digital platforms to boost visibility with Chinese travelers. Environment—coastal protection: TunSea is set to hold an awareness day on May 31 in Ghar El Melh (El Gattaya) to protect coastal dunes and biodiversity and teach students why the dunes matter for erosion control. Regional demographics: A French study points to long-term fertility declines across Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, with Tunisia’s rate around 1.53 in 2024 linked to later marriage. Global context—desertification debate: A new discussion revisits how desertification is framed and measured, warning that the Sahara’s southward advance is accelerating in drylands.