Tunisia has become the third team eliminated from contention for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup following a heavy defeat to Japan under their new coach Hervé Renard. The Carthage Eagles were overwhelmed, conceding four goals without managing a single shot on target throughout the entire 90+ minutes.
From the outset, the match was one-sided as Japan opened the scoring early and then controlled the pace comfortably, ultimately securing a convincing victory. Kamada put the Blue Samurai ahead in the 4th minute with a neat finish after a cross from Nakamura, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper in one touch. Japan doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Ueda struck from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the far corner.
The scoreline became even more emphatic midway through the second half when Ito converted a one-on-one chance, extending Japan’s advantage to 3-0. Ueda sealed the rout in the 84th minute by heading home a cross from Sano, lobbing the goalkeeper and defenders as Tunisia’s resistance crumbled.
Japan’s 4-0 triumph leaves Tunisia out of the World Cup playoffs. In the final group stage matches, Japan will face Sweden, while Tunisia will take on the Netherlands.
World Cup 2026
Tunisia 0–4 Japan (0–2)
Goals: Kamada 4 (0–1); Ueda A. 31 (0–2); Ito J. 69 (0–3); Ueda A. 84 (0–4)
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