Sweden overwhelms Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup Group F; Ayari scores twice

Quick start

Sweden needed just seven minutes to take the lead when Yasin Ayari fired a powerful shot from outside the box after sustained pressure. The 22-year-old, born in Solna, Sweden, to a Tunisian father and Moroccan mother, did not celebrate the goal out of respect for his father’s homeland. In the 30th minute, Alexander Isak doubled the lead after a swift counter‑attack and a precise pass from Viktor Gyökeres, exploiting a misjudged move by Tunisian goalkeeper Chamek.

Tunisia’s brief reply

Tunisia managed to pull one back before half‑time when Omar Rekik headed in a precise cross from Hannibal Mejbri in the 43rd minute, making it 2‑1 and giving the African side a lifeline heading into the break.

Second‑half control

The North Africans started the second half with renewed energy, pressing high and troubling the Swedish defence. However, a critical mistake by Tunisian captain Skhiri in the 59th minute turned the match decisively. Isak stole the ball outside the area and fed Gyökeres, who slotted home to restore a two‑goal cushion. Substitute Matias Svanberg, moments after entering the pitch, scored the fourth goal in the 84th minute after a set‑piece, a goal initially ruled offside but confirmed by VAR. Ayari then capped the scoring in the sixth minute of added time with another long‑range strike, this time celebrating with his teammates.

Ayari’s dual heritage

Ayari had the option to represent Tunisia at international level and considered a switch several years ago, but his father Azuz urged him to commit to Sweden, the nation that welcomed and developed him. His respectful muted celebration after the opener earned widespread praise.

Group F picture

With the victory, Sweden tops Group F after Japan and the Netherlands played out a 2‑2 draw earlier in the day. Elsewhere in the tournament, Germany crushed Curaçao 7‑1 and Brazil were held to a 1‑1 draw by Morocco.