FIFA Approves Khedira's Switch to Tunisia for 2026 World Cup

TUNIS, Tunisia — FIFA has approved Rani Khedira's request to switch his international allegiance from Germany to Tunisia, allowing the 32-year-old midfielder to represent the North African nation at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The decision, announced late Wednesday by the Tunisian Football Federation and FIFA, clears the way for Khedira, who plays for Union Berlin in Germany's Bundesliga, to join Tunisia's national team, known as the Eagles of Carthage. The federation celebrated the move on its Instagram account with a "Welcome Home" message, highlighting Khedira's Tunisian heritage through his father.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Khedira previously represented Germany at youth levels but never earned a senior cap for the national team. He shares eligibility for both countries due to his parents' backgrounds. His older brother, Sami Khedira, won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and enjoyed a distinguished career that included stints at Real Madrid and Juventus. Rani, as captain of Union Berlin, brings experience from over 150 Bundesliga appearances, where he is known for his defensive midfield work and tactical discipline.

The approval ends a prolonged process for Khedira,...