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Japan knock Tunisia out of World Cup 2026 with historic 4-0 victory
21st June, 2026 09:31 AM
Japan etched their name into FIFA World Cup history after producing a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Sunday, June 21, 2026, setting multiple records in the process and strengthening their hopes of advancing deep into the 2026 tournament.
The Asian giants delivered a clinical display on a memorable occasion that marked the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. Their emphatic triumph not only secured three crucial points but also established a new milestone for Asian football on the global stage, getting their first World Cup clean sheet since 2014.
Japan go ahead
Japan wasted little time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring just four minutes into the contest. Midfielder Daichi Kamada finished off a well-worked move by converting Keito Nakamura’s delivery from close range, registering Japan’s fastest-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
The early breakthrough unsettled Tunisia, who struggled to cope with Japan’s pace and movement throughout the first half. The Blue Samurai continued to create opportunities and were rewarded again in the 30th minute when striker Ayase Ueda fired a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to double the advantage.
Holding a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime, Japan remained firmly in control while Tunisia searched for answers. Head coach Herve Renard attempted tactical adjustments after the break, but his side failed to halt Japan’s relentless attacking display.
The third goal arrived in the 69th minute when Junya Ito capped another flowing attack with a precise finish, effectively ending any hopes of a Tunisian comeback. Japan then completed a historic evening seven minutes from time as Ueda rose highest to head home his second goal of the match, making it 4-0.
That fourth strike carried extra significance, as Japan became the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nation to score four goals in a single FIFA World Cup match. The result also represented the largest winning margin in Japan’s World Cup history.
Tunisia sent packing!
For Tunisia, who recently appointed Herve Renard to help steady the ship, the heavy defeat brought their 2026 World Cup campaign to an abrupt end. Despite entering the tournament with hopes of reaching the knockout stages, the North Africans were unable to match Japan’s quality and intensity.
Meanwhile, Japan’s convincing victory propelled them level on points with the Netherlands at the top of Group F, placing them in a strong position ahead of the final round of group-stage fixtures.
With confidence soaring and history already made, Japan have sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament that they are capable of challenging the world’s best teams. They will face Sweden in their final group match, seeking to seal their Round of 32 qualification.
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