Issam Jebali, a forward for Gamba Osaka, is gearing up to compete in the World Cup qualifiers while also aiming for a position in the Tunisia national team. As he prepares for the upcoming matches, he reflects on the excitement of facing Japan, a team that Tunisia has struggled against historically, with a record of five losses out of six encounters. However, the memorable victory in the Kirin Cup in June 2022, where Tunisia triumphed with a score of 3-0, boosts his confidence as he approaches this match.

At 34 years old and standing at 186 cm, Jebali has proven himself to be a versatile player with strong skills in post-play and one-touch passing, contributing significantly to Gamba Osaka with 14 goals in 76 matches over three seasons. When he first arrived in Japan, he faced challenges adapting to the speed and pace of the J-League. Nonetheless, he has worked to improve his movement timing and has managed to adjust effectively to the demands of Japanese football.

With the Tunisia national team drawing Japan in the group stage of the World Cup, Jebali expresses his enthusiasm for the match, stating that competing against Japan is a great opportunity. His commitment to his national team and his positive outlook on the upcoming challenges underscore his aspirations, not only for personal success but also for the confidence and morale of the Tunisian squad overall. His journey illustrates the growing competitiveness and presence of African players in international football, particularly in prestigious tournaments like the World Cup.