Sweden routs Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup opener, takes Group F lead after Netherlands-Japan draw

Sweden opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Tunisia at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on Sunday evening, taking sole possession of top spot in Group F after the Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day. Graham Potter's side delivered a clinical attacking display, punishing Tunisian defensive lapses in both halves, while the North Africans now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.

First-half goals set the tone

Sweden wasted no time asserting control. In the 7th minute, Yasin Ayari fired a powerful strike into an empty net after goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh misjudged a cross, allowing the ball to fall kindly for the midfielder. The lead was doubled on the half-hour mark when Alexander Isak's low shot squirmed under Chamakh's body following a counter-attack. Tunisia pulled one back just before the interval through Omar Rekik, who headed in a Hannibal Mejbri cross at the near post in the 43rd minute, giving the Aigles de Carthage brief hope going into the break.

Second-half collapse for Tunisia

The second period saw the Tunisian defence disintegrate. In the 59th minute, captain Elyes Skhiri was dispossessed by Isak near the edge of his own box, and the Liverpool forward squared for Viktor Gyökeres to slot home Sweden's third. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth in the 84th minute, ghosting into the box to convert a flick-on from Isak's free-kick delivery with his first touch after coming on. Ayari then completed his brace deep into added time, driving in Sweden's fifth to cap a dominant performance.

Ayari's bittersweet opener

Ayari's early goal carried personal tension. The 18-year-old, born to a Tunisian father but representing Sweden, apologised repeatedly after scoring, a moment that highlighted the challenges Tunisia's federation faces in persuading dual nationals to commit to the Carthage Eagles, unlike several other African sides.

Group F picture

The result, combined with the 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, leaves Sweden atop Group F with three points and a goal difference of +4. The Tunisians sit bottom and must now prepare for fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands, knowing their defensive frailties were brutally exposed. Potter's team next faces the Dutch, who also struggled to keep a clean sheet, in what could be a decisive match for the group lead.

Goal distribution

Sweden's five goals came from four different scorers, reflecting a balanced attacking threat. Ayari led with two, while Isak, Gyökeres and Svanberg each contributed one.