Japan produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 and secure a major step toward the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tunisia, now under the guidance of Hervé Renard following Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal, hoped to revive its campaign after the heavy defeat against Sweden.
Instead, the Carthage Eagles endured another disappointing night as Daichi Kamada opened the scoring with a close-range header in the fourth minute before Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s advantage with a superb strike in the 31st minute. Japan completely controlled the first half and left Tunisia with no room to respond.
Tunisia searched for a way back after the break, and Hervé Renard introduced fresh legs, including Ismaël Gharbi, in an attempt to change the momentum. However, Japan maintained its dominance and continued to create the better chances. Junya Ito raced through on goal in the 69th minute and calmly beat Aymen Dahmen to make it 3-0. Ayase Ueda then completed his brace in the 84th minute with a looping header from K. Sano’s cross, capping another outstanding attacking performance by the Blue Samurai.
The emphatic victory leaves Japan on the verge of qualification for the Round of 32, while Tunisia crashes out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a second consecutive heavy defeat. Hervé Renard failed to inspire an immediate turnaround, and the Carthage Eagles must now play only for pride in their final group-stage match. Japan, meanwhile, strengthened its status as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams.
