Ayase Ueda scores twice and assists another as Japan overwhelm Tunisia with a dominant display of attacking football, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Summary
Japan produced a stunning performance in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismantling Tunisia 4-0 at a neutral venue. The Samurai Blue were in control from the first whistle, with Daichi Kamada opening the scoring inside four minutes. Ayase Ueda added a brace and an assist, while Junya Ito also found the net as Japan recorded their first win of the tournament. The result leaves Tunisia bottom of the group with zero points, while Japan move to four points, level with the Netherlands at the top.
From the outset, Japan’s intensity and fluidity were too much for a Tunisian side that had lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening match. The scoreline could have been even more emphatic, with Japan registering 11 total shots to Tunisia’s two, and an expected goals (xG) of 2.07 against just 0.05 for the hosts. Japan’s 62% possession and 89% pass accuracy underlined their dominance.
Key Moments
The match started explosively. In the 4th minute, Keito Nakamura delivered a precise pass to Daichi Kamada, who slotted home calmly to give Japan an early lead. Tunisia barely had time to settle before Japan struck again in the 31st minute. Ko Itakura’s assist found Ayase Ueda, who doubled the advantage with a clinical finish.
The second half followed a similar pattern. In the 69th minute, Ueda turned provider, setting up Junya Ito to make it 3-0. Ueda then completed his brace in the 83rd minute, this time assisted by Kaishu Sano, rounding off a comprehensive victory. Tunisia offered little in response, managing just one shot on target throughout the match, which was comfortably saved by Japan’s goalkeeper.
Match Analysis
Japan’s tactical setup was a masterclass in controlled aggression. They pressed high, forced turnovers, and moved the ball with speed and precision. The midfield trio of Sano, Itakura, and Nakamura dictated the tempo, while Ueda’s movement caused constant problems for the Tunisian defence. Japan’s ability to create chances from open play was evident, with eight of their 11 shots coming from inside the box.
In contrast, Tunisia struggled to build any coherent attacks. Their 38% possession rarely translated into meaningful progression, and they managed only one shot inside the box. The defensive line, which had conceded five against Sweden, looked equally vulnerable here, failing to cope with Japan’s quick interchanges and runs in behind. The absence of any yellow or red cards suggested a disciplined but ultimately ineffective performance from the Tunisians.
Player Performances
Ayase Ueda was the standout performer, earning a rating of 9.7. His two goals and one assist were the cornerstone of Japan’s victory. Kaishu Sano and Keito Nakamura both registered ratings of 7.7, each providing an assist and a key pass, while Ko Itakura (7.6) also chipped in with an assist and two key passes. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Itō (both 7.2) were solid at the back, ensuring Tunisia rarely threatened.
For Tunisia, no player managed a rating above 7, reflecting a collective off-day. The goalkeeper made one save but was helpless against Japan’s finishing. The team’s expected goals of just 0.05 tells the story of a side that created virtually nothing.
Key Stats
- Possession: Japan 62% – 38% Tunisia
- Total shots: Japan 11 – 2 Tunisia
- Shots on target: Japan 5 – 1 Tunisia
- Expected goals (xG): Japan 2.07 – 0.05 Tunisia
- Pass accuracy: Japan 89% – 80% Tunisia
- Fouls: Japan 15 – 8 Tunisia
- Corner kicks: Japan 5 – 3 Tunisia
What This Means
Japan’s emphatic win lifts them to four points from two matches, level with the Netherlands, who drew 2-2 with Sweden earlier in the group. With goal difference now a key factor, Japan’s +4 gives them an edge. Tunisia, meanwhile, remain pointless after two defeats, with a goal difference of -8 that leaves them on the brink of elimination. They must win their final match and hope other results go their way.
The result also sends a message to the rest of the tournament: Japan are capable of producing devastating attacking football. After a creditable draw against the Netherlands, this performance confirms their status as serious contenders to advance from Group F.
What Happens Next
Japan face Sweden in their final group match, a fixture that could decide who progresses. A win would guarantee a place in the knockout stages, while a draw might be enough depending on the other result between Tunisia and the Netherlands. Tunisia, needing a miracle, take on the Netherlands, who will also be fighting for qualification. Japan will be confident after this display, but Sweden’s 5-1 demolition of Tunisia shows they are a dangerous opponent.
For Tunisia, the focus will be on restoring pride and perhaps spoiling Netherlands’ party. But based on this performance, it is hard to see them avoiding a third consecutive defeat.
