AGP Executive Report

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Arab representation at a record high including Tunisia. Tunisia in Group Play: Tunisia’s schedule includes a key opener against Sweden on June 15, and then a showdown with the Netherlands on June 25—while Tunisia’s right-back Moutaz Neffati, born in Norrköping, is set to face his Swedish roots. Tunisia Governance: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri chaired a small cabinet meeting focused on water-system governance, stressing the constitutional right to drinking water, year-round supply, and new legislation to protect water resources. Human Rights Watch: HRW warns Tunisia’s rights situation has deteriorated under President Kais Saied, citing systematic repression of civil society and journalists. Global Sumud Update: Tunisian activist Mehdi Bouzguenda was released from Libya, but 10 other detainees remain on a life-threatening “dry” hunger strike. Tunisia Press Freedom: Journalist Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in prison, raising fresh concerns over freedom of expression.

World Cup Kickoff & Tunisia in the Mix: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Tunisia drawn in Japan’s group and set to play Sweden and Japan in the opening phase. Tunisia Football Prep: Tunisia’s national team is also in the spotlight through warm-up and squad updates as the tournament approaches. Somali Referee Blocked: A major controversy hits the tournament logistics: Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US despite a visa, raising questions about travel rules for match officials. EU Migration Push: Separately, the EU is moving toward “deportation hubs” in third countries, a policy Switzerland says it supports in principle. Tunisia Water Security: Tunisia is also reported to be taking new measures to secure drinking water supplies. Local Culture & Business: Doha Design District’s public art shortlist includes a Tunisia entry, while Tunisia hosts International Food Show Africa (IFSA) in Tunis.

Tunisia in World Cup spotlight: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs South Africa, and Tunisia’s Group F opener is set for June 15 against Sweden in Monterrey (with the full group schedule now out, including Tunisia’s other matches). Warm-up and squad updates: Sweden’s camp has been hit by illness for Gabriel Gudmundsson, while the Netherlands’ Jurrien Timber is ruled out with a groin injury, with Geertruida called up—both storylines matter for Tunisia’s group rivals. Travel and entry warnings: U.S. border authorities say World Cup arrivals face extra scrutiny, including a reported case involving a Tunisian traveler carrying prohibited meat at Washington Dulles. Press freedom crackdown: Reuters reports Tunisian journalist Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in absentia, adding to concerns about shrinking space for critical media under President Kais Saied. Sports logistics in Monterrey: FIFA moved Sweden and Japan training sessions after pitch conditions at El Volcán were deemed unacceptable, with Tunisia’s base expected to host the reshuffled sessions.

World Cup Countdown: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11-12 across the US, Canada and Mexico, Tunisia’s focus is sharp: a new power-ranking piece puts Tunisia in Group F alongside Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, noting their qualification momentum but warning that recent setbacks—including a Belgium-friendly hammering and coach Sabri Lamouchi’s squad changes—could hurt their edge. Heat Risks: Climate research says performance-impairing heat could affect 97 of 104 matches, with Tunisia flagged for a high heat-likelihood game in Monterrey. Tunisia in the spotlight: Tunisia’s national team is also tied to broader World Cup logistics and timing guides for fans across regions. Tech & Connectivity: Algeria and Tunisia plan a joint submarine cable to Italy, aiming to boost regional data capacity and resilience. Local governance: Tunisia’s small cabinet meeting in Kasbah pushed faster delivery of public programmes, with tighter procurement and feasibility checks to cut delays. Sports beyond football: Tunisia’s presence extends to the World Cup via players of Somali heritage, including Tunisia midfielder Anis Ben Slimane.

World Cup build-up: The Netherlands have confirmed a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is ruled out with a groin injury and will leave the squad’s New York pre-camp after the friendly vs Uzbekistan. Squad update: Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as Timber’s replacement as the Dutch prepare for Group F matches against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Tournament context: With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, coverage is also zeroing in on the “group of death” idea—now less clear-cut because more teams mean fewer truly stacked four-team groups. Tunisia angle: Tunisia is listed among the teams in the Netherlands’ Group F, with the Tunisia match set for Kansas City. Regional environment: In a separate story with Tunisia relevance, divers captured what experts say is the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean during a net-removal mission between Sicily and Tunisia.

World Cup & Tunisia: Tunisia’s World Cup build-up is in the spotlight after coach Sabri Lamouchi apologized to fans following a humiliating 5-0 friendly defeat to Belgium, calling the performance “a nightmare” and saying he felt “ashamed.” Sports & Travel Politics: A BBC report says Trump-era travel bans and tighter visa rules are angering fans and complicating attendance, with Iran’s team forced to deal with visa denials and last-minute travel hurdles. Tunisia Football Focus (Group F): With Tunisia drawn alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, the tournament schedule is now set, and Tunisia’s opener is listed for June 21 against Japan. Local Business/Industry: In a separate regional move, XPENG says it has launched operations in Tunisia and Morocco, opening a 2,500-square-meter sales and service center in Tunisia as part of its North Africa expansion. Governance Watch: Tunisia’s parliament committee is continuing its review of a draft law on the status of religious officials, starting a session at 9:30 a.m.

Libya Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Nafti met UN envoy Hanna Tetteh in Tunis to discuss progress on Libya’s political roadmap, stressing UN-led efforts, “structured dialogue,” and coordination with regional partners. UN Briefings: Tetteh also briefed foreign ambassadors in Tunis, including the AU and major embassies, on implementing the roadmap. World Cup Focus (Tunisia): Tunisia’s warm-up campaign took a hit as Belgium thrashed the Carthage Eagles 5-0, while Tunisia is set to face the Netherlands in Group F at the 2026 World Cup. Sports Access: The International Sports Press Association says many Iranian and African journalists were denied US visas to cover the tournament, warning this undermines press freedom. Governance Update: Parliament’s administrative committee has taken up a draft framework law to modernise public administration management systems, including digitalisation and transparency mechanisms. Local Sports: Tyler Smith finished ninth in the Africa Triathlon Cup in Yasmine Hammamet, pleased with a strong hot-weather performance.

World Cup Warm-up Shock: Belgium thrashed Tunisia 5-0 in Brussels as Leandro Trossard scored before halftime and Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin added after the break; Tunisia were reduced to 10 men after Ismael Gharbi’s second yellow. Tunisia Football Focus: The heavy defeat follows Tunisia’s earlier 1-0 loss to Austria, leaving coach Sabri Lamouchi under pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Migration & Rights in Tunis: Protesters gathered outside UNHCR in Lac demanding the deportation of undocumented sub-Saharan migrants and calling for UNHCR to leave Tunisia, amid heightened security. Press Freedom & Detentions: Separate demonstrations in Tunisia also called for press freedom and the release of political prisoners. Tunisia in the World Cup Orbit: FIFA says it will collect match items to document the 2026 tournament’s history, while Tunisia’s World Cup preparations continue under a spotlight.

World Cup Warm-up Shock: Belgium crushed Tunisia 5-0 in Brussels in the final tune-up before the 2026 World Cup, with Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin scoring as Tunisia played with 10 men after Ismael Gharbi’s second yellow. Tunisia Under Pressure: Coach Sabri Lamouchi called the performance “a complete disaster,” with Tunisia winless in their last three matches and set to open Group F on June 15 against Sweden. Belgium’s World Cup Message: The result extended Belgium’s strong run ahead of Group G matches versus Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, with Romelu Lukaku featuring off the bench and Jeremy Doku impressing on the left. Group F Stakes: Tunisia’s group rivals are Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands—an unforgiving mix where Tunisia will need a quick turnaround from this heavy defeat. Local Sports Note: Karim Helali was re-elected head of the Tunisian Handball Federation for 2026-2030.

Tunisia’s Economy & Payments: Tunisia’s Central Bank data show refinancing down 18% to TND 10.9bn (June 4), while interbank transfers jumped 31.7% to nearly 4bn; meanwhile tele-compensation stayed steady at 53.4bn dinars (+0.6%) across 14.7m transactions (+2.8%), but cheques kept collapsing (-24.9% in volume, -28% in value) as bank transfers surged and direct debits rose with sharply higher rejection rates. Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s Marseille–Bizerte subsea cable segment has reached Ready for Service, moving from construction to full operations on a new Europe–North Africa route backed by EU funding. Aviation & Business: Nouvelair Tunisia reported 2024 revenue of 783.8m dinars (+32.9%), with stronger operating profitability and a transformed balance sheet. Diplomacy & Security: Tunisia’s FM received Mexico’s ambassador credentials and met UNSMIL’s head on Libya’s political process; Tunisia also extended a military air transport unit deployment to support MINUSCA for another year. Health & Services: A first surgical procedure was performed at Al-Tadamon hospital as Tunisia expands local cardiovascular services. World Cup Link: Tunisia is set to face Belgium in a pre-World Cup friendly in Brussels (June 6), while Tunisia’s football ecosystem continues to connect regionally as Esperance-linked midfielder Onuche Ogbelu completes a move to Libya’s Al-Ittihad.

Tunisia–US Defense: Tunisia received 48 US-made Humvees at El Aouina Air Base to boost border security and help fight terrorism, smuggling and organised crime, with the delivery framed as part of deeper Tunis–Washington defence cooperation. World Cup Focus (Tunisia in Group F): With the 2026 World Cup about to start, Tunisia’s Group F rivals are being mapped in detail—Netherlands, Japan and Sweden—while coverage highlights Tunisia’s chances and the pressure on teams facing the Tunisian side. ViaTunisia Connectivity: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte reached ready-for-service status, aiming to strengthen high-capacity, secure digital links between Europe and North Africa. Tunisia Economy (Central Bank): Tunisia’s central bank kept the key interest rate at 7%, citing inflation risks and a “prudent” monetary stance. Sports & Culture: A Tunis-based Greek choir project continues to draw attention, using choral music to build cultural ties between Greece and Tunisia.

Tunisia Court Ruling: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to life in prison in a terrorism case, with additional decades added and other senior Ennahdha figures also receiving long terms, deepening Tunisia’s crackdown on dissent. Economy Watch: Tunisia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 7%, citing inflation risks and a “prudent” monetary stance, while the current account deficit narrowed to about 1.5% of GDP by end-April 2026 thanks to services and remittances. Tech & Business: The Tunisia Africa Business Council launched ST2A, a pan-African alliance aimed at boosting technological sovereignty and digital transformation using Tunisian ICT, AI, cybersecurity and connectivity expertise. World Cup (Tunisia angle): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is framed around coach Sabri Lamouchi’s focus on a strong defence as the team targets a first-ever knockout-stage run in Group F against Japan, Sweden and the Netherlands. Regional Governance: Tunisia hosted the 4+4 Small Dialogue Committee talks on electoral laws, with a UN envoy facilitating discussions on an agreed framework and timeline.

World Cup 2026, Group F Focus: Tunisia’s World Cup opener vs Japan is set for June 20 in Monterrey, with the Netherlands and Sweden also in the group—while Sweden’s pre-tournament tune-up ended 2-2 against Greece after a late Masouras equaliser, adding extra pressure on Graham Potter’s side. Training & Matchday Logistics: Japan switched Monterrey training venues after players found an uneven, patchy pitch at the original site, moving from UANL Tigres’ facility to Rayados’ El Barrial. FIFA Stadium Rules: FIFA updated its Stadium Code of Conduct, banning reusable water bottles at World Cup venues (empty refillable bottles still allowed at some fan events). Tunisia Travel Safety: UK Foreign Office guidance says Tunisia’s tourist areas are generally safe, but advises against travel to parts of southern and western Tunisia, including near the Tunisia-Libya border. Tunisia Politics: Former Tunisian intelligence chief Kamel Guizani alleges President Kais Saied’s circle spied on opponents and helped fabricate cases to imprison them.

Tunisia-Centered Diplomacy: Tunisia and Bulgaria held the third round of political consultations in Tunis, with both sides stressing strong ties and preparing for upcoming bilateral engagements tied to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Central Bank Watch: Tunisia’s Central Bank kept its key interest rate at 7%, citing rising external inflation pressures and high uncertainty. Trade & Borders: Libya and Tunisia began implementing their free trade agreement, including electronic certificates of origin and renewed joint customs crossing procedures, with steps to curb smuggling and ease truck movement. Regional Health Policy: A Maghreb forum in Tunis called for a unified strategy to fight smoking, pushing shared prevention and awareness efforts across Tunisia, Libya and Algeria. World Cup Focus (Tunisia in Group F): With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, Tunisia is set to open Group F against Sweden (June 14), with the Netherlands and Japan also in the group; heat-risk concerns are flagged for multiple matches across host cities. Culture & Film: Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated docudrama “The Voice of Hind Rajab” received a censor certificate in India and is set for a June 19 release.

Court Verdict in Tunisia: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi and Ennahda figures were sentenced to life imprisonment in a terrorism-related case, with Ghannouchi receiving life plus 30 years and his deputy Ali Larayedh getting 42 years, as convictions also include “secret apparatus” allegations and follow detention since April 2023. World Cup Build-Up (Tunisia): Tunisia’s World Cup campaign is set in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, while coach Sabri Lamouchi’s squad is highlighted as Tunisia look to finally break their group-stage curse. Regional Sports Spotlight: Algeria face the Netherlands in a key friendly in Rotterdam ahead of their World Cup opener against Argentina, with both sides using the match to fine-tune squads. Gulf Expansion (Business): Morocco’s Akdital plans a third Saudi hospital after land acquisition in Riyadh, aiming for 1,000 beds in Saudi Arabia by 2030 and exploring a potential Tunisia hospital acquisition. Migration Rights: “Refugees in Libya” condemned dehumanizing rhetoric and calls for accountability over alleged abuse and threatened evictions affecting migrants and asylum seekers across Libya, including impacts on Tunisia-linked routes.

World Cup Build-Up: Tunisia’s final World Cup preparations took a hit as the Carthage Eagles lost 1-0 to Austria in a friendly in Vienna, with Austria reduced to 10 men after Konrad Laimer’s red card but still winning thanks to Marcel Sabitzer’s 63rd-minute goal; Tunisia had chances, including a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick off the crossbar. Belgium Boost: Romelu Lukaku returned to form for Belgium, scoring in a 2-0 friendly win over Croatia as coach Rudi Garcia urged caution and step-by-step management after the striker’s long injury layoff. Tunisia in Court: A Tunisian court sentenced Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi to life in prison plus 30 years on terrorism-related charges in the “secret apparatus” case, alongside other long terms for senior figures. Film Clearance: Tunisian-French film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has been cleared by India’s CBFC without cuts and is set to release in Indian theatres on June 19. Food Safety: Tunisia’s food poisoning probe in Meknassi (Sidi Bouzid) points to anabasine poisoning, likely from accidental use of leaves from the toxic wild plant “Nicotiana glauca” mixed into leafy vegetables. Migration Policy: The EU approved a provisional plan to deport and confine undocumented migrants in offshore detention centers in third countries, including Tunisia, under stricter cooperation rules.