Japan Thrashes Tunisia 4-0, Sets World Cup Record

Japan achieved its most significant victory in World Cup history, crushing Tunisia 4-0 in their second Group F match of the 2026 World Cup. The decisive win, held at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, also sealed Tunisia's elimination from the tournament. This result surpassed Japan's previous largest World Cup margin of victory by two goals.

The Samurai Blue's goals came from Daichi Kamada in the fourth minute, Ayase Ueda in the 31st and 84th minutes, and Junya Ito in the 69th minute. The commanding four-goal performance occurred during the 1,000th match in the history of the World Cup, which began in 1930. On this historic stage, Japan demonstrated a strong performance, reinforcing their aspirations to one day lift the world championship trophy.

From the outset, Japan displayed dominance, even without the injured Takefusa Kubo. Hajime Moriyasu's squad immediately applied pressure, scoring within four minutes. Kamada opened the scoring, redirecting a cross from Keito Nakamura. Although his touch was not perfect, the ball deflected off his heel and into the net. Japan had opportunities to extend their lead earlier, but a crucial interception by Dylan Bronn denied Kamada a second goal, and Aymen Dahmen made a brilliant save to stop Takehiro Tomiyasu's header from crossing the line.

Ayase Ueda proved to be an impressive focal point for Japan's attack. The Feyenoord striker not only served as a target but also actively participated in build-up play and led the forward press. His efforts were rewarded with the second goal in the 31st minute. After receiving a pass from Ko Itakura in midfield, Ueda drove towards the penalty area and unleashed a powerful, accurate shot that Dahmen could not stop. Japan concluded the first half with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Tunisia's coach, Herve Renard, attempted to alter the game's dynamics in the second half by introducing Amine Ben Hmida and Ismael Gharbi for Dylan Bronn and Elias Saad. While these substitutions led to Tunisia having more possession, they failed to create significant threats. Japan maintained their aggressive approach. In the 69th minute, Ueda's skillful through ball found Junya Ito, who outpaced his markers before beating Dahmen for his first World Cup goal in 2026 and 16th overall for Japan. Despite the three-goal cushion, Japan continued to press, with Moriyasu making substitutions but preserving the team's intensity. The fourth goal arrived six minutes before the end, with Ueda scoring again.