Tunisian champions face uphill challenge at Club World Cup

This is one of the more unknown teams in the competition — the kind that rarely feature in discussions ahead of major tournaments.

Esperance are not here as CAF champions, but rather thanks to consistent performances on the continental stage. Domestically, though, they remain a dominant force and have already lifted the most recent Tunisian league title.

Known for their attacking intent in local competitions, they may need to adjust their approach slightly to deal with superior sides who will not forgive mistakes. The squad is made up mainly of local players, although two Brazilians have emerged as key figures in recent months.

Squad list 

Players to watch

One of them is Yan Sasse. Now 27, the Brazilian winger is in his second season with the Tunisian club after spells in Brazil with Coritiba, Vasco da Gama and America Mineiro, as well as stints in Turkey and Australia.

He has scored 15 goals and provided one assist in 38 appearances this season. Most dangerous on the right flank, he is also a threat when cutting inside.

Youcef Belaili, now 33, is the team's main goal threat. The veteran forward has just finished his first full campaign with Esperance, netting 19 times and assisting six more in 35 appearances. He will be one of the team's biggest hopes going into the tournament.

Coach

The man on the touchline is Maher Kanzari, a seasoned coach with various spells at Esperance Tunis and significant experience in Tunisian football.

He has managed several domestic clubs and also worked within the Tunisian FA, both at youth level and briefly with the senior side in 2018 as interim manager.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Esperance Tunis will open their campaign on Tuesday, 17 June, against Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia). It will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Matchday 2

Their second group stage fixture comes on Saturday, 21 June, against Los Angeles FC at Geodis Park (Nashville), another first-time clash.

Matchday 3

The Tunisian side will round off their group on Wednesday, 25 June, at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) against Chelsea. The teams have never faced each other before.

Possible starting XI