Japan’s Junya Ito celebrates scoring their third objective with Japan’s Ayase Ueda and Japan’s Daichi Kamada throughout Group F match between Tunisia v Japan in Fifa World Cup 2026 in Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico on June 20, 2026. — Reuters Â
Japan marked the 1,000th match in World Cup historical past with a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F on Saturday, as Ayase Ueda scored twice to ship the North Africans out.
Hajime Moriyasu’s facet, who drew 2-2 with the Netherlands of their opener, went forward after 4 minutes when a sweeping assault ended with Keito Nakamura chopping the ball again for Daichi Kamada to attain.
Tunisia, overwhelmed 5-1 by Sweden of their first match and enjoying beneath new coach Herve Renard, struggled to deal with Japan’s urgent and motion from the outset.
Japan nearly doubled their benefit within the eleventh minute with an assault down the precise flank, with Tunisia’s Dylan Bronn turning a low cross away from Kamada.
From the ensuing nook, Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced a fantastic save, with goal-line expertise confirming the ball had not crossed the road.
Moriyasu’s staff continued to dominate possession, their frontline harrying Tunisia’s defence and stopping Renard’s facet from establishing any rhythm within the Monterrey warmth.
The second objective arrived within the thirty first minute when Ueda superior in direction of the sting of the world, and with the Tunisia defence backing off he drove a low shot into the far nook.
“I was disappointed in the last tournament, so I feel like I’ve finally been able to redeem myself,” Ueda instructed Japanese media.
“We managed to snatch one point in the first match, which was a tough game, so we needed three points in today’s match to build on that. I’m very happy that I was able to contribute to that.”
Tunisia provided little in response and Japan put the outcome past doubt within the 69th minute, Kamada’s move opening up the Tunisian defence and Junya Ito racing clear to complete low previous Dahmen.
Ueda accomplished the rout six minutes from time, assembly Kaishu Sano’s clipped far-post supply and guiding an excellent header into the highest nook as Japan grew to become the primary Asian staff to attain 4 objectives in a World Cup match.
Japan turned to Kamada and Ito with midfielder Takefusa Kubo sidelined, and supervisor Moriyasu stated they didn’t disappoint.
“Regarding the players I used in building up the team, they were at the centre of all our efforts. I’ve brought Kamada on as a defensive midfielder, but tonight I wanted him to be in the role of shadow striker,” the coach instructed reporters.
“I thought that would bring out the best in him. It really worked, because he scored a goal today. He wasn’t just a focal point. He went right into the final third, and his play certainly gave strong momentum to the team.”
With the win, Japan be part of the Netherlands on 4 factors after the Dutch thrashed Sweden 5-1. Tunisia grew to become the third facet to be eradicated from the match after Haiti and Turkiye.
