Tunisia’s disastrous FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has taken an even darker turn after reports claimed that eight squad members returned adverse analytical findings for the banned substance clenbuterol, The Times reported, placing the team at the centre of one of the tournament’s biggest doping investigations.

The North African side have already endured a difficult tournament on the pitch, finishing bottom of Group F after heavy defeats against Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands. Their struggles led to an early managerial change, with Sabri Lamouchi dismissed following the 5-1 loss to Sweden and veteran coach Hervé Renard brought in in a bid to restore some stability and pride.

However, attention has now shifted away from football entirely, with Tunisia instead facing scrutiny over anti-doping concerns.

According to reports, eight players tested positive for clenbuterol during routine World Cup drug screening carried out under FIFA’s anti-doping programme. All participating players at the tournament are subject to random testing, with samples analysed in line with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

Clenbuterol is listed on WADA’s prohibited substances due to its potential to enhance performance by increasing lean muscle mass while reducing fat. Originally developed as an asthma treatment, it is banned in elite sport because of its misuse as a performance enhancer.

In most cases, multiple positive tests would normally result in immediate suspensions and formal disciplinary action. However, that process has not been triggered in this instance.

The key reason lies in the current direction of the investigation. Anti-doping officials are reportedly exploring the possibility that the positive results may be linked to contaminated meat rather than intentional use of a banned substance.

Tunisia spent a significant part of their World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico, a region where clenbuterol contamination in livestock has previously been documented. Despite tighter regulations in recent years, isolated cases of contamination are still known to occur.

Because of this context, authorities are treating the situation cautiously, distinguishing it from deliberate doping violations while further analysis continues.