“From Bodø to the World Stage?” — Hamed Namouchi Backs Sebastian Tounekti to Shine for Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup
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When Sebastian Tounekti stepped onto the pitch at Rugby Park earlier this month, few outside of Swedish football circles would have predicted what came next. Signed by Celtic in a relatively low-profile deadline day move from Hammarby, the 22-year-old winger was expected to be a squad addition — one for the future, perhaps, or a tactical option to inject pace when games grew stale.
Instead, what Celtic got was a livewire debut performance that set pulses racing.
Fearless, fast, and full of intent, Tounekti tormented Kilmarnock’s back line, creating chances, driving at defenders, and ultimately earning the Man of the Match award. Within 90 minutes, he had gone from a question mark to a potential star-in-the-making.
Now, he’s caught the attention not only of Celtic fans but also of international onlookers — including a man who knows both Scottish football and Tunisia’s national team better than most: Hamed Namouchi.
The former Rangers midfielder, who lifted the Scottish title in 2005 and earned 20 caps for Tunisia, sees something special in the young winger. More than that — he believes Tounekti is destined for the biggest stage in football: the FIFA World Cup.
“He Has the Right Mentality”: Namouchi’s Endorsement
Speaking exclusively to The Celtic Way, Namouchi was full of praise for Celtic’s new signing, both for his early performances and his personal ambition.
“I completely understand Sebastian Tounekti’s dream of representing Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup,” said Namouchi. “That kind of ambition is powerful and inspiring. Every player wants to represent their country on the biggest stage, and I think he’s going about it the right way.”
What struck Namouchi most was Tounekti’s mentality. In a modern game saturated with talent, what often separates the good from the great is mindset — and Namouchi believes the winger possesses exactly that.
“He seems humble, focused, and determined to improve. These are not small things. When you play for a club like Celtic — with its expectations, its intensity, and its culture of success — you need mental strength as much as technical ability.”
“If he works hard, delivers consistent performances, and proves decisive in key moments, he will certainly catch the eye of the national team coach.”
From Norway to Tunisia: A Tale of Dual Nationality and Identity
Born in Bodø, Norway, Tounekti’s footballing roots were Scandinavian. He came through the ranks at Tromsø IL and later moved to Bodø/Glimt, helping the side clinch their historic Eliteserien title in 2020. He was capped at youth level by Norway, and many assumed he would go on to represent the Norwegian senior team.
But Tounekti chose a different path — a more personal one.
Through his family heritage, he was eligible to play for Tunisia, and in 2021, he accepted a call-up to the Carthage Eagles. It wasn’t a decision based solely on opportunity, but rather on pride.
“He had a choice to make,” said Namouchi. “And it’s always a personal and emotional one when you’re eligible for two nations. But choosing Tunisia shows he’s thinking about where he can make a difference, where he can inspire people, and where he feels at home. That’s a big decision, and I admire it.”
His early caps for Tunisia didn’t make huge headlines — yet. But with his move to Celtic, the spotlight is growing.
The Celtic Stage: A Launchpad to International Stardom?
For many African and European players alike, Celtic Football Club has long served as a stepping stone to the highest levels of football. From Virgil van Dijk to Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster to Odsonne Édouard, the Scottish giants have a habit of refining raw talent and launching it into the global arena.
Namouchi sees Tounekti as the next name on that list.
“Joining a club like Celtic — with its history, its demanding supporters, and its winning mentality — can be the perfect platform for him to showcase his talent,” said Namouchi. “Scotland can absolutely be a springboard for a player with quality and the right mentality.”
The transition to Scottish football can be tough. The pace is relentless, the weather unforgiving, and the expectations immense — especially at Celtic, where second place is failure. But if Tounekti continues to impress as he did against Kilmarnock, there is no ceiling to what he can achieve.
Tunisia’s 2026 World Cup Hopes — and Where Tounekti Fits
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the biggest in history, expanding to 48 teams. That expansion increases the chances of qualification for nations like Tunisia — already one of Africa’s more consistent World Cup sides, with six appearances to date.
Manager Jalel Kadri has overseen a transition period in Tunisian football, bringing in new blood while maintaining a competitive core. With stars like Wahbi Khazri moving into the twilight of their careers, opportunities are opening up for younger players to seize the moment.
Namouchi sees Tounekti as a potential key figure in this next generation.
“He brings something different — pace, unpredictability, directness. In tournament football, you need players who can break games open. Sebastian has that quality.”
“If he stays healthy, keeps developing, and continues performing at Celtic, I truly believe he’ll be in the squad for 2026. And from there, anything is possible.”
AFCON Implications: A Double-Edged Sword for Celtic?
Tounekti’s emergence comes with consequences for Celtic, particularly around the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, usually held mid-season, can deprive European clubs of their African stars for several crucial weeks.
If Tunisia call up Tounekti for AFCON — and all signs suggest they will if his form holds — Celtic could be without him during the tournament window. He won’t be alone, either. Both Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Kelechi Iheanacho, if selected by DR Congo and Nigeria respectively, could also miss time.
That would test the depth of Brendan Rodgers’ squad and possibly force the club to recruit accordingly in future windows.
Still, most Celtic supporters would welcome the exposure, even if it means short-term absences. A Celtic player starring at AFCON — or eventually at the World Cup — is good for both reputation and recruitment.
What’s Next for Tounekti?
The challenge for Tounekti now is to maintain consistency. One standout performance has earned him early admiration, but Scottish football is ruthless. The fixtures come thick and fast. Defenders learn your tricks. Fans are quick to turn.
But so far, Tounekti has looked unfazed by the pressure.
He speaks with quiet confidence, trains with intensity, and plays with a freedom that’s hard to teach. He’s not just playing for Celtic — he’s playing for a place in Tunisia’s World Cup plans. He’s playing to live out a dream.
Namouchi’s final words carry weight — not just as encouragement, but as a challenge:
“He’s got everything in front of him now. If he stays hungry, stays humble, and keeps pushing every day, he can go very far. The World Cup is the biggest dream for any footballer — and I really believe he can get there.”
Conclusion: A Star in Bloom?
Only time will tell if Sebastian Tounekti can turn early promise into lasting impact. But one thing is clear: he has the tools, the mentality, and the backing to do something special — for Celtic, and for Tunisia.
In a footballing world that often overlooks the subtle rise of talent in favor of headline names, Tounekti’s journey feels refreshing — a player climbing the ladder with quiet determination, guided by ambition, and supported by those who’ve walked the path before him.
From Bodø to Parkhead, and possibly to Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., Sebastian Tounekti’s story is just beginning.
And if Hamed Namouchi is right, it’s going to be one worth watching.