Japan delivered a commanding performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Tunisia 4-0 in the tournament's historic 1000th match. The victory at Monterrey moved the Blue Samurai closer to the knockout stages after an initial 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
Early dominance sets the tone
Japan wasted no time asserting superiority. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, finishing a flowing move involving Keito Nakamura. The Crystal Palace midfielder was instrumental, nearly doubling the lead shortly after. Tunisia survived a goal-line technology review by the narrowest of margins.
Japan's relentless pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Ayase Ueda drove forward and fired through Montassar Talbi's legs into the far corner, making it 2-0.
Second-half rout confirms elimination for Tunisia
Any hopes of a Tunisian response evaporated after the break. Kamada's sublime through-ball released Junya Ito for Japan's third goal in the 69th minute. Ueda completed the rout six minutes from time with a looping header from Kaishu Sano's cross.
The victory extends Japan's unbeaten run to nine matches and lifts them into second place in Group F. For Tunisia, the defeat confirms elimination after only two matches, marking a disastrous start to Hervé Renard's emergency tenure. The Carthage Eagles become the first African nation eliminated from the expanded 48-team World Cup, joining Haiti and Türkiye.
Other Group E and F action
Curaçao celebrated a landmark moment by earning their first-ever World Cup point after holding Ecuador to a draw in Group E. The Caribbean debutants continue to inspire as they prove their worth on football's biggest stage.
In the same group, Germany survived a major scare to defeat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1. The Elephants led through captain Frank Kessié in the 30th minute after Amad Diallo's close-range effort was saved on the line. Côte d'Ivoire created several opportunities to extend their advantage but failed to capitalise. Germany substitute Deniz Undav transformed the contest, scoring in the 68th minute before striking a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. The Ivorians will rue a missed opportunity moments before Germany's decisive goal when Simon Adingra hesitated after being played through by Nicolas Pépé.
Netherlands overwhelm Sweden 5-1
The Netherlands delivered an attacking masterclass to overwhelm Sweden 5-1, strengthening their position in Group F. Brian Brobbey set the tone early with goals in the fifth and 17th minutes. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo took centre stage after the interval, scoring twice within seven minutes. Substitute Anthony Elanga briefly lifted Swedish hopes with a goal in the 59th minute, but another substitute, Crysencio Summerville, completed the rout in the 89th minute after excellent work from Memphis Depay.
The result leaves the Dutch brimming with confidence heading into the decisive phase of the group stage, while Sweden face a difficult battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
