Tunisia’s sports teams are generally known by their nickname of the ‘Carthage Eagles’ and for all the home fans watching in Hammamet, they will be hoping the Eagles will fly high on home sand.

The women’s team are coached by the experienced Hajer Ayari, who knows success with Tunisia, having led the women’s senior team to an African Beach Games title, plus a 2023 IHF Beach Handball Global tour stage win – both on the Hammamet sand.

Tunisia enter the 2025 IHF Women’s Youth Beach Handball World Championships as one of six debutants overall and one of four from Africa.

As hosts, they had the right to choose their preliminary group at the draw event and they opted to face fellow debutants Mexico and Senegal and 2017 world championship winners Hungary.

“Every match in our group will be a true challenge for our young Carthage Eagles. We’ll face strong, well-prepared teams, but we are ready to give our all,” said coach Ayari, to ihf.info. “This world championship is a golden opportunity to showcase how far we've come as a team and as a nation in beach handball.”

With no competitive games to date, Tunisia’s young side are relatively unknown, the provisional squad of 12 hailing from 11 different clubs.

But one player will find the championships extra special: Loujain Romene. The goalkeeper is sure to have extra motivation and support in Hammamet as she is the only player listed in either the women’s or men’s teams who plays her club handball for ASF Hammamet.

“Our identity is built on solidarity and the collective commitment of every team member. Each player has a vital role, and it’s that sense of togetherness that defines who we are – we move forward as one and will give our best in every match – there are no key players here,” concluded Ayari, when asked about any standout players.

Whatever the results of the young Tunisian side, the world championships represent an opportunity to make an impact not only at home but in the wider region.

“This world championship is a moment of pride not only for Tunisia, but for all of Africa and the Arab world,” explained Hana Guenaoui, President of Tunisia’s national beach handball teams, to ihf.info. “It shines a spotlight on our youth and on the fast-growing, exciting discipline that is beach handball. 

“Through this event, we’re also reinforcing the values that sport carries with it: respect, teamwork, perseverance, and excellence.”

Coach: Hajer Ayari
Qualification information: Hosts
History in tournament: 2017-2022: DNQ 
Group at Tunisia 2025: Group C – Tunisia (TUN), Hungary (HUN), Mexico (MEX), Senegal (SEN)