Japan Thrashes Tunisia in Historic World Cup Match

Japan put on a great show in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Tunisia 4-0 in the tournament's 1000th match. This victory brings them closer to reaching the knockout stage.

The Blue Samurai came to Monterrey looking for their first win after a thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. They quickly showed they were the better team.

Daichi Kamada scored the first goal just four minutes into the match. He finished a nice move that involved Keito Nakamura. Kamada was involved in all the dangerous plays and almost scored again shortly after. Tunisia was lucky to survive when a goal-line technology check showed no goal.

Japan kept pushing, and in the 31st minute, Ayase Ueda broke through. He shot the ball through Montassar Talbi’s legs into the far corner, making it 2-0.

After halftime, Tunisia’s hopes of coming back disappeared. Kamada made a fantastic pass that set up Junya Ito for Japan’s third goal in the 69th minute. Ueda sealed the game with a header six minutes before the end from Kaishu Sano’s cross.

This win means Japan has not lost in nine matches and moves them to second place in Group F.

For Tunisia, this loss means they are out of the tournament after just two games. It is a tough start for coach Hervé Renard. The Carthage Eagles are the first African team to be eliminated from this World Cup, joining Haiti and Türkiye. Interestingly, if the old goal-difference rules were still in place, these three teams would still have had a chance to qualify.