Japan overwhelms Tunisia in Orlando, records its first win of the 2026 World Cup and joins the Netherlands atop Group F. Tunisia is eliminated after a one-sided defeat.
Japan confirmed its status as one of the most organized and entertaining teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia and moving level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F.
After opening the tournament with an encouraging draw against the Dutch, Hajime Moriyasu’s side delivered a complete performance, controlling possession, pressing aggressively and displaying remarkable attacking fluidity. The result also officially eliminates Tunisia from the competition after two consecutive defeats.
The Samurai Blue wasted little time imposing themselves. Tunisia threatened briefly through Hannibal Mejbri, whose curling effort drifted wide, but Japan struck in the fourth minute. Junya Nakamura burst down the left flank and sent a dangerous ball across the box, where Daichi Kamada arrived unmarked to tap home his second goal of the tournament.
Japan continued to dominate and doubled its advantage on the half-hour mark. Ayase Ueda collected the ball just outside the penalty area, drove forward and unleashed a powerful low strike into the bottom corner, leaving Aymen Dahmen with no chance.
The second half followed the same script. Japan maintained control and created several chances before finding a third goal in the 69th minute. Ueda turned provider this time, releasing Junya Ito with a perfectly weighted first-time pass. The winger exploited the space left by Tunisia’s defense and calmly finished to make it 3-0.
Ueda was not done yet. Twelve minutes from time, the striker completed his brace with another composed finish, capping off a brilliant individual display that included two goals and an assist.
Moriyasu’s tactical choices once again paid dividends, particularly the decision to deploy Kamada in a more advanced midfield role. The former Lazio player was less involved in the build-up but proved lethal near goal, while Ueda emerged as the undisputed star of the evening.
Tunisia struggled throughout the match and never found answers to Japan’s intensity. Hervé Renard’s side looked vulnerable defensively and lacked creativity in attack, ending its World Cup campaign with an early exit.
Japan now sits on four points alongside the Netherlands and will head into the final group-stage match with qualification firmly within reach.
Match Report
Tunisia 0-4 Japan
Tunisia (5-3-2): Dahmen; Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Bronn (46′ Ben Hmida), Abdi (90′ Achouri); Mejbri, Skhiri, Slimane (90′ Khedira); Saad (46′ Gharbi), Tounekti (64′ Chaouat).
Coach: Hervé Renard.
Japan (3-4-3): Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu (78′ Seko), Itakura, H. Ito; Doan (74′ Sugawara), Tanaka, Kamada (74′ J. Suzuki), Nakamura (78′ Y. Suzuki); J. Ito, Ueda (84′ Goto), Sano.
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu.
Referee: Kovacs (Romania).
Goals: 4′ Kamada, 31′ Ueda, 69′ J. Ito, 83′ Ueda.
Bookings: None.
Corners: Tunisia 3, Japan 5.
