World Cup 2026: Japan lead Tunisia 2-0 at half-time

Japan lead Tunisia with authority, 2-0, at half-time in the Group F match being played at Estadio BBVA. Japanese scorers Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute and then strengthened the advantage in the 31st minute, putting their team in a favorable position in the race to qualify.

This match comes after contrasting results on the group’s opening matchday, when Tunisia suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden while Japan earned a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, holding their own against one of the group’s major teams. The half-time score therefore reinforces Japan’s positive momentum.

From the start, Japan imposed their tempo, with Kamada finishing a move initiated by Keito Nakamura, who provided the assist. As the game progressed, Japan dominated possession (68%) and increased their attacks, notably from set pieces, winning two corners. The second goal came from Ayase Ueda, supplied in the box by Ko Itakura, highlighting the fluidity of the 3-4-2-1 system deployed by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Tunisia, also lined up in a 3-4-2-1 under Hervé Renard, are struggling to develop their game. They conceded quickly on an opposition counterattack and are finding it hard to create clear chances, totaling only one shot, off target. Their pass completion rate is low (76%) in the face of Japan’s technical and collective dominance. Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen has already made an important save, but his team are under heavy defensive pressure.

Japan are also relying on a solid defensive block in which captain Ko Itakura provides attentive cover, while midfielders Kaishu Sano and Ao Tanaka control the tempo. That collective control contrasts with Tunisia, who will need to respond in the second half if they hope to change the course of the match.

Tunisia looking to bounce back despite a difficult start

In this 3-4-2-1 system, Hervé Renard named a fifth nominal attacking player, but Tunisia’s attacking transition has remained too timid. Hannibal Mejbri and Sebastian Tounekti, starters in attack, are struggling to combine effectively with Elias Saad. The four-man midfield, featuring Anis Ben Slimane and Ellyes Skhiri, is trying to provide links, but the team’s low share of possession (32%) is proving costly.

Defensively, the back three of Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi and Omar Rekik are enduring repeated Japanese attacks. The lack of collective play to bring the ball out cleanly is glaring. Tunisia will need to correct these shortcomings quickly if they hope to turn the situation around.

Japan confirm their attacking and tactical efficiency

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu is maintaining his effective 3-4-2-1 system. Junya Ito and Keito Nakamura, positioned behind striker Ayase Ueda, are driving the attacks with fluidity. Nakamura has already delivered an assist, underlining his key role.

Daichi Kamada’s early opening goal, reflecting his excellent attacking activity with a shot on target, has given Japan a significant psychological advantage. Japan are controlling the match and imposing a rigorous collective game.

Tunisia

Half-time 0-2 Estadio BBVA

Japan

21/06/2026 05:00 · Group F

Fil du match

1. 4'⚽But - D. Kamada (passe K. Nakamura)Japon, 4e
2. 31'⚽But - A. Ueda (passe K. Itakura)Japon, 31e

Les chiffres du match

• Tirs cadres : Tunisia 0 / Japan 2
• Tirs : Tunisia 1 / Japan 4
• Possession : Tunisia 32% / Japan 68%
• Corners : Tunisia 1 / Japan 2
• Fautes : Tunisia 2 / Japan 5
• Passes : Tunisia 68 / Japan 144
• Precision des passes : Tunisia 76% / Japan 90%
• xG : Tunisia 0.01 / Japan 1.24

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

Half-time 0-2 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