Tunisia Crash Out Of World Cup After Heavy Defeat To Japan
Japan thrashed Tunisia 4-0 to confirm the North Africans’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage on Saturday.
Tunisia came into the match after a difficult week that included a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden, the dismissal of head coach Sabri Lamouchi and the appointment of Herve Renard as his replacement. However, the change in the dugout failed to produce an immediate response.
Japan took the lead after less than four minutes at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico. A swift counter-attack caught Tunisia’s defence out of position and Daichi Kamada finished from close range to put the Asian side ahead.
The Japanese doubled their advantage soon afterwards through Ayase Ueda. The striker produced an excellent finish from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball through a defender’s legs and into the far corner.
Tunisia struggled to create meaningful chances and looked short of ideas throughout the contest. Japan controlled possession comfortably and repeatedly found space to launch dangerous attacks.
Junya Ito made it 3-0 after being played through on goal and calmly beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen with a simple finish.
Ueda completed the scoring late in the match when he guided a looping header into the far corner for his second goal of the game.
Japan were far superior from start to finish and never looked troubled by a Tunisia side whose attacks were easily dealt with.
The result leaves Japan on four points and in a strong position to reach the knockout stage. They will aim to secure qualification when they face Sweden in their final group match on Friday.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the tournament and will play their last group game against group leaders the Netherlands.
