Nigeria: Tunisia joins list of worst World Cup group stage records

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Tunisia’s 2026 World Cup ended in disappointment after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday left them with zero points and a -10 goal difference from three Group F matches.

The result places Tunisia among the teams with the worst group-stage performances in World Cup history, based on failing to earn a point while conceding at least 10 more goals than they scored.

AFP Sport is compiling a list of previous sides to record a double-digit negative goal difference and no points in the group stage. 

Tunisia’s campaign closed without a win, drawing comparisons to other teams that struggled defensively and offensively during a single World Cup tournament.