Japan looks to seal knockout spot against Tunisia after coach's abrupt firing

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.

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.

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.