World Cup 2026: Japan Dominate Tunisia 4-0 in Group F

Japan comfortably beat Tunisia 4-0 on Sunday at Estadio BBVA in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The victory strengthens Japan’s position in Group F, where the two teams had come into the match on the back of contrasting results after their opening game.

After a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden, Tunisia needed to respond quickly. Japan, meanwhile, had earned a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands and were aiming to make the most of their technical control to gain the upper hand in the race to qualify.

Japan prevailed by quickly imposing their tempo, opening the scoring as early as the 4th minute through Daichi Kamada, well set up by Keito Nakamura. Japan’s dominance was confirmed with a second goal from Ayase Ueda in the 31st minute, assisted by Ko Itakura. Tunisia never managed to turn the tide and struggled as the minutes passed, conceding two more goals in the second half.

In the second half, Junya Ito scored Japan’s third goal in the 69th minute, converting a pass from Ayase Ueda. Ueda then completed his double in the 83rd minute, taking advantage of an assist from Kaishu Sano. Despite several changes made by Hervé Renard, the Eagles of Carthage found no solution against Japan’s defensive solidity and fluid attacking play.

Tunisia lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Hervé Renard, notably starting defenders Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi and Omar Rekik, as well as midfielder Ellyes Skhiri. In attack, Hannibal Mejbri and Sebastian Tounekti were named in the starting line-up, but without success.

Japan’s Tactical and Attacking Control

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu also set up in a 3-4-2-1, highlighting a balanced organization. Zion Suzuki was in goal, supported by a defence featuring Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ko Itakura and Hiroki Itō. In midfield, Kaishu Sano, who provided an assist, and Ao Tanaka provided the link, while Keito Nakamura supplied the attacking trio of Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda.

The fluidity of Japan’s passing exchanges and the variety of their attacking options allowed them to take control of the match quickly and maintain their pressure throughout the contest. Their many accurate passes (491 passes at an 80% success rate) stifled Tunisia’s ambitions, with the Tunisians failing to put a single shot on target in the first half.

With this victory, Japan take an important advantage in the race to qualify from Group F, while Tunisia will now have to respond in their upcoming matches.

Tunisia

Finished 0-4 Estadio BBVA

Japan

21/06/2026 05:00 · Group F

Fil du match

1. 4'⚽But - Daichi Kamada (passe Keito Nakamura)Japon, 4e
2. 31'⚽But - Ayase Ueda (passe Ko Itakura)Japon, 31e
3. 45'↑↓Remplacement - Elias Saad (remplace Ismael Gharbi)Tunisie, 45e
4. 45'↑↓Remplacement - Dylan Bronn (remplace Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida)Tunisie, 45e
5. 64'↑↓Remplacement - Sebastian Tounekti (remplace Firas Chaouat)Tunisie, 64e
6. 69'⚽But - Junya Ito (passe Ayase Ueda)Japon, 69e
7. 73'↑↓Remplacement - Daichi Kamada (remplace Junnosuke Suzuki)Japon, 73e
8. 74'↑↓Remplacement - Ritsu Doan (remplace Yukinari Sugawara)Japon, 74e
9. 79'↑↓Remplacement - Keito Nakamura (remplace Yuito Suzuki)Japon, 79e
10. 79'↑↓Remplacement - Takehiro Tomiyasu (remplace Ayumu Seko)Japon, 79e
11. 83'⚽But - Ayase Ueda (passe Kaishu Sano)Japon, 83e
12. 84'↑↓Remplacement - Ayase Ueda (remplace Keisuke Goto)Japon, 84e
13. 91'↑↓Remplacement - Ellyes Skhiri (remplace Rani Khedira)Tunisie, 91e
14. 91'↑↓Remplacement - Ali Abdi (remplace Elias Achouri)Tunisie, 91e

Les chiffres du match

• Tirs cadres : Tunisia 0 / Japan 5
• Tirs : Tunisia 2 / Japan 11
• Possession : Tunisia 38% / Japan 62%
• Corners : Tunisia 3 / Japan 5
• Fautes : Tunisia 7 / Japan 13
• Passes : Tunisia 328 / Japan 547
• Precision des passes : Tunisia 80% / Japan 90%
• xG : Tunisia 0.05 / Japan 2.07

Joueurs clés

• Ayase Ueda (Japan) : note 9.7, 2 but(s), 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
• Junya Ito (Japan) : note 7, 1 but(s)
• Keito Nakamura (Japan) : note 7.7, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
• Daichi Kamada (Japan) : note 6.7, 1 but(s)
• Ko Itakura (Japan) : note 7.6, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)

Group F schedule

View full schedule

View match details for Netherlands - Japan

14/06 Group F

Netherlands

Finished 2-2 AT&T Stadium

Japan

View match details for Sweden - Tunisia

15/06 Group F

Sweden

Finished 5-1 Estadio BBVA

Tunisia

View match details for Netherlands - Sweden

20/06 Group F

Netherlands

Finished 5-1 NRG Stadium

Sweden

View match details for Tunisia - Japan

21/06 Group F

Tunisia

Finished 0-4 Estadio BBVA

Japan

View match details for Japan - Sweden

26/06 Group F

Japan

Upcoming 00:00 AT&T Stadium

Sweden

View match details for Tunisia - Netherlands

26/06 Group F

Tunisia

Upcoming 00:00 Arrowhead Stadium

Netherlands