Football · Guadalupe
Japan looks to seal knockout spot against Tunisia after coach's abrupt firing
Japan can all but lock up a place in the World Cup 2026 knockout phase with a win over Tunisia, who arrive under new manager Hervé Renard after a 5-1 loss cost his predecessor the job.
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In brief
A victory would give Japan an 85 per cent probability of advancing from Group F, according to The Athletic's projection model, following their 2-2 opening draw against the Netherlands.
Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed after a single competitive match in charge. Hervé Renard takes over for his first game against Japan, tasked with reviving a side that conceded five goals in the opener.
The Group F fixture kicks off at midnight ET on June 21 at Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Guadalupe, Mexico. US viewers can watch on Fox Sports 1 or stream via Fubo; UK audiences can tune in on BBC One.
The stakes
Japan began their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, twice coming from behind to earn a point. A win in this Group F fixture would lift their chance of advancing past the group stage to 85 per cent, according to The Athletic's projection model. Tunisia, meanwhile, must rebound from a 5-1 drubbing that left them as the only Group F side without a point.
Coaching turmoil
That heavy defeat prompted the Tunisian federation to fire head coach Sabri Lamouchi after just one competitive match. Hervé Renard has been appointed in his place and will take charge for the first time against Japan. The short preparation time and the scale of the opening loss add pressure to an already difficult task.
Key performers
Japan's Keito Nakamura scored once in the draw with the Netherlands, while defensive lapses saw them concede two goals. Tunisia's Hannibal Mejbri has yet to score in the tournament but registered an assist in the opener. Across the tournament, Japan have scored two and conceded two, while Tunisia have scored one and conceded five, the latter the worst defensive record in the group.
- Japan goals scored
- 2 goals
- Japan goals conceded
- 2 goals
- Tunisia goals scored
- 1 goals
- Tunisia goals conceded
- 5 goals
Data from the article text
How to watch and the odds
Kickoff is set for midnight ET on June 21 at Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Guadalupe, Mexico. In the United States the match airs on Fox Sports 1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo and streaming via Fubo. UK viewers can tune in on BBC One. The moneyline reflects Japan's status as clear favourites.
- Japan win
- -189 moneyline
- Draw
- 303 moneyline
- Tunisia win
- 569 moneyline
Data from the article text
The odds from BetMGM price Japan at -189 to win inside 90 minutes, Tunisia at +569, and the draw at +303. The total goals line sits at 2.5, with the over at +108 and under at -134.
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Sources and context
- The New York TimesTunisia vs Japan live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest score and news
- The New York TimesHow to watch Japan vs. Tunisia 2026 World Cup match: TV channel, streaming options
- The New York TimesHow to watch 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup: TV channel, streaming and schedule for June 21
- The New York TimesHow to watch Curacao vs. Ecuador 2026 World Cup match: TV channel, streaming options
- Sabri Lamouchi
- Former Tunisia head coach, fired after one match following a 5-1 loss
- Hervé Renard
- Newly appointed Tunisia head coach, taking charge for the first time against Japan
- Keito Nakamura
- Japan forward, scored one goal in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands
- Hannibal Mejbri
- Tunisia midfielder, recorded one assist in the opening match
- Places
- Netherlands
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