Sweden makes a statement in its World Cup opener, scoring five goals against Tunisia to move to the top of Group F.
Sweden delivered one of the most convincing performances of Matchday 1 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Tunisia 5-1 and immediately taking control of Group F.
With the Netherlands and Japan drawing 2-2 earlier in the day, the Swedes capitalized in emphatic fashion, securing three points and a commanding goal difference advantage. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari starred with a brace, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres combined brilliantly throughout the contest.
The Scandinavian side wasted no time asserting itself. Just seven minutes into the match, Ayari opened the scoring with a precise finish that gave Sweden an early advantage and set the tone for the evening.
Tunisia struggled to contain Sweden’s movement and attacking quality, and the pressure eventually produced a second goal in the 30th minute. Gyökeres provided the assist and Isak curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the corner from a difficult angle to make it 2-0.
The Newcastle striker chose not to celebrate, a gesture that drew attention given his Tunisian family roots through his father’s side.
At that stage, the match appeared headed firmly in Sweden’s direction. However, Tunisia responded before halftime through an unlikely source.
Defender Omar Rekik rose brilliantly inside the penalty area and powered a header into the net from a cross delivered from the right flank. The goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 43rd minute and gave Sabri Lamouchi’s side renewed hope heading into the break.
Any thoughts of a Tunisian comeback were quickly extinguished after halftime.
A costly turnover from Ellyes Skhiri deep in his own half allowed Sweden to break forward at speed. Isak immediately spotted the run of Gyökeres and delivered a perfectly weighted pass. The Arsenal striker calmly finished along the ground to restore Sweden’s two-goal advantage at 3-1.
Tunisia continued to battle, but Sweden’s attacking depth proved decisive. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal in the 84th minute. Initially ruled out for offside, the goal was eventually awarded following a VAR review that confirmed the midfielder had been onside.
Deep into stoppage time, Ayari completed his outstanding performance by scoring his second goal of the night with another excellent right-footed finish, putting the finishing touches on a dominant Swedish display.
The victory places Sweden alone at the top of Group F after Matchday 1, while Tunisia faces an uphill battle in its remaining group fixtures.
Match Report: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Goals: 7′ Ayari (SWE), 30′ Isak (SWE), 43′ Rekik (TUN), 59′ Gyökeres (SWE), 84′ Svanberg (SWE), 90+6′ Ayari (SWE)
Sweden (3-4-1-2): Nordfeldt; Lindelöf, Lagerbielke, Hien; Bernardsson (90+1′ Svensson), Ayari, Karlström (84′ Svanberg), Gudmundsson (65′ Stroud); Nygren (65′ Bergvall); Isak (90+1′ Elanga), Gyökeres.
Head Coach: Graham Potter
Tunisia (4-2-3-1): Chamakh; Valery (72′ Mahmoud), Rekik, Talbi, Ben Hmida; Skhiri (72′ Achouri), Khedira (83′ Gharbi); Ben Slimane (83′ Chaouat), Hannibal Mejbri, Abdi; Saad (72′ Tounekti).
Head Coach: Sabri Lamouchi
Referee: Yael Falcón Pérez (Argentina)
Yellow Cards: Khedira (Tunisia)
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group F
