Tunisia shock France 1-0, bow out of Qatar 2022

French-born Wahbi Khazri scored the only goal of the game as Tunisia upset World Cup holders France 1-0 at the Education City Stadium yesterday, but the shock victory was not enough for them to join the defending champions in the last 16 of the tournament in Qatar.

Khazri steered home a 58th-minute winner amid a cluster of defenders for only a third victory at six World Cup tournaments for Tunisia but they were still eliminated.

France, who made nine changes for this match from the team that beat Denmark and had already booked their place in the knockout stages, finished top of Group D on goal difference from runners-up Australia, who beat Denmark 1-0 at the same time. France now take on the runners-up in Group C.

After leading Canada to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years, John Herdman said yesterday that he wants to remain in charge of the team through to the 2026 finals when the country will co-host the tournament with America and Mexico.

There has been talk the innovative Herdman, who coached the Canadian women to two Olympic bronze medals before taking over the senior men’s team, has caught the attention of professional teams and would consider a move to club soccer.

But with already eliminated Canada preparing to play what will be their final group match in Qatar against Morocco today, Englishman, Herdman made it clear he plans to stick around through to 2026.

“I’ve done 11 great years in this country, love the country, love the people and excited for 2026,” Herdman, whose team were beaten by Belgium and Croatia in the opening two matches, told reporters yesterday.

“I’ve been pioneering for a long period of time, and you’ll not find anyone as passionate as I am about this programme or these players or this staff.

“You won’t find anyone as passionate who wants to take the country to that next level.”