Rani Khedira retires from Tunisian national team after just six months

The 32-year-old feels his decision to step away could aid the Tunisian national team to help develop younger players and quickly fill the void.

Photo: Pau Barrena/Getty Images.

Rani Khedira will no longer play matches for Tunisia, ending his international career with the North African nation after just six months.

Khedira, who had progressed through all of Germany's youth national teams, made his debut for the Tunisia in March of last year.

At the 2026 World Cup, the 1.FC Union Berlin vice-captain played in every match, but were eliminated in the group stage after three losses.

“After the World Cup, it's time to look ahead,” Khedira explained to BILD in a statement he released regarding his retirement.

"Tunisia has many young and talented players who have the potential to shape the future of the national team.

"After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time to make way for this further development process.

"I hope that the team receives the necessary calm and consistency to achieve its sporting goals for the future.

 “It was always a great honor for me to wear the Tunisian national team jersey and to represent Tunisia on the international stage.

“Even though my time with the national team was relatively short, I felt immense pride,” the 32-year-old concluded.