FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan crush Tunisia 4-0, make path easier for knockout stage qualification

Japan delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Tunisia 4-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter at Estadio Monterrey. This emphatic victory marks Japan's first-ever four-goal performance in World Cup history and leaves the North African side teetering on the brink of elimination.

The match, which was the 1000th in FIFA World Cup history, saw Japan assert dominance early. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring within four minutes after a swift team move created an opening, allowing Kamada to force the ball home from close range. Japan continued to press, with goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen making a remarkable save to deny Ayase Ueda an earlier second goal. Tunisia struggled to establish possession and rarely threatened Japan's goal.

The pressure eventually paid off again in the 31st minute when Ueda, a constant threat, received the ball at the edge of the box and fired a precise shot into the bottom corner. Japan comfortably held their two-goal lead into halftime.

Any hopes of a Tunisian comeback were dashed in the 69th minute when Junya Ito extended Japan's lead to 3-0. The rout was completed late in the game as Ueda scored his second goal, a looping header, becoming the first Japanese player to score twice in a single World Cup match. This result significantly strengthens Japan's position in Group F, requiring just a point from their final match against Sweden to secure qualification for the Round of 32. Tunisia, meanwhile, faces a disappointing exit after managing only one win in their last nine World Cup games.