Club World Cup Profile: Espérance Sportive de Tunis

Tunisian side Espérance Sportive de Tunis will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States. The club is one of Africa’s most decorated clubs as it has won 67 trophies in their history. Espérance will be competing in Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside Flamengo, Chelsea, and LAFC/Club America. They open their CWC campaign against Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on June 16th at 9:00 PM ET.

Route to Qualification:

Espérance booked qualification for this year’s Club World Cup via the CAF ranking pathway after four seasons with impressive performances in African club competition CAF Champions League.

(Courtesy of FIFA)

Historical Facts:

1919: Club was founded by Mohamed Zouaoui and Hedi Kallel in a cafe located in the Bab Souika neighborhood. The name of the club at the time was Cafe de I’Esperance.

1936: Became known as Espérance Sportive de Tunis and made their first appearance in the Tunisian Cup Final, narrowly losing to defunct side Stade Gaulois.

1942: Espérance became champions of the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1. The Tunisian side would go on and win 33 more league titles.

1957: Won the Tunisian Cup for the first time, just a year after Tunisia’s independence as a country.

1994: First ever CAF Champions League after a 3-1 aggregate win over Egyptian side Zamalek in a two-legged final. Berkhissa had a brace for Espérance and Ben Neji scored from the penalty spot. Espérance won three more CAF Champions League titles, including two consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019.

1995: Won the CAF Super Cup. Also won the Afro-Asian Super Cup after a 4-1 aggregate win against defunct side Thai Farmers Bank.

2011: Made their first ever appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup. They made it to the quarterfinals but came up short in a 2-1 loss against Qatari side Al-Sadd. Espérance also made appearances in the 2018 and 2019 FIFA Club World Cup.

Most Important Player: Youcef Belaïli

Youcef Belaïli has been a crucial player for Espérance this season. The 33 year old Algerian international winger has 18 goals and 16 assists in all competitions for the Tunisian side this season. He is a great chance creator with great playmaking and finishing ability.

Potential Breakout Player: Koussay Maacha

Koussay Maacha is a young talented prospect for Espérance to watch during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 18 year old Tunisian international has four goals and one assist in 17 appearances in all competitions this season. The Guardian named Maacha as one of the 60 best young talents in world football in 2024. Maacha likes to cut inside and shoot from long range. He has had experience playing for the Tunisian U17s and just recently made his debut for the Tunisian U20 side on May 1st.

Season Outlook:

Espérance won their 34th Tunisian Ligue 1 title, making it consecutive titles after winning the title previously in the 2023-24 season. They will now face Stade Tunisien in the Tunisian Cup Final on June 1st at 11:00 AM ET before they begin their Club World Cup campaign.