Tunisia 0-4 Japan: Japan wins
Japan enters the 2026 World Cup campaign aiming for a full three points against Tunisia. Despite being considered the stronger team, the Asian representatives still need to be cautious of their opponent's disciplined style of play.
- 0'The match has started.
Tunisia hosts Japan.
- 4'GOAL! Japan (0-1)
4th minute:D. Kamada(Japan) scored (assist: K. Nakamura). Score: 0 - 1.
- 31'GOAL! Japan (0-2)
31st minute:A. Ueda(Japan) scored (assist: K. Itakura). Score: 0 - 2.
- 46'Substitution
46th minute (Tunisia): E. Saad comes on to replace I. Gharbi.
- 46'Substitution
46th minute (Tunisia): D. Bronn comes on to replace M. Ben Hamida.
- 65'Substitution
65th minute (Tunisia): S. Tounekti comes on as a substitute for F. Chaouat.
- 69'GOAL! Japan (0-3)
69th minute:J. Ito(Japan) scored (assist: A. Ueda). Score: 0 - 3.
- 73'Substitution
73rd minute (Japan): D. Kamada comes on to replace J. Suzuki.
- 74'Substitution
74th minute (Japan): R. Doan comes on as a substitute for Y. Sugawara.
- 79'Substitution
79th minute (Japan): K. Nakamura comes on to replace Y. Suzuki.
- 79'Substitution
79th minute (Japan): T. Tomiyasu comes on as a substitute for A. Seko.
- 83'GOAL! Japan (0-4)
83rd minute:A. Ueda(Japan) scored (assist: K. Sano). Score: 0 - 4.
- 84'Substitution
84th minute (Japan): A. Ueda comes on to replace K. Goto.
- 90+1'Substitution
90+1st minute (Tunisia): A. Abdi comes on to replace E. Achouri.
- 90+1'Substitution
90+1st minute (Tunisia): E. Skhiri comes on to replace R. Khedira.
- KTFinal score: Tunisia 0-4 Japan
The match ended with a score of 0-4.
Updated at 12:57 PM on June 21, 2026
At 11:00 AM on June 21, 2026, the Estadio BBVA will become the focal point for the clash between Tunisia and Japan in the World Cup. This is the opening match for both teams in the biggest tournament on the planet, where every mistake can be costly.
A highly calculated opening performance at Estadio BBVA
Both Tunisia and Japan enter this match with a blank record in the new season, as this is their first game of the season. Caution is to be expected, as a favorable result in their opening match would open the door to progressing to the knockout stage.
Japan, nicknamed the "Blue Samurai," has always been considered one of the leading forces in Asian football. Meanwhile, Tunisia represents the tenacity and pragmatism of North African football. The match at Estadio BBVA was not just a test of physical strength, but also a tactical chessboard between two footballing nations with distinct styles.
History of confrontations: Each side with its own strategy.
Looking at their recent head-to-head history, the two teams are showing an incredible balance. In their last two encounters, each side has secured a convincing victory:
- 17/10/2023:Japan 2 - 0 Tunisia
- 14/06/2022:Japan 0 - 3 Tunisia
Tunisia's 3-0 victory in 2022 served as a stark reminder that they are perfectly capable of beating Japan if their opponents become complacent. Conversely, the 2-0 win at the end of 2023 showed that Japan had learned valuable lessons to counter the African team's playing style.
Team situation and expected lineup
Currently, both teams have their strongest squads available, with no reported injuries or suspensions. This allows both coaches to field their best players to implement their tactical plans.
Japan is expected to employ a possession-based, short-passing style of play, relying on the skillful individual techniques of their players currently playing in Europe. Conversely, Tunisia will likely opt for a defensive counter-attacking approach, making the most of set pieces and bursts of speed from the flanks.
In-depth analysis and prediction of results
Based on statistical indicators and expert assessments, Japan holds a certain advantage. Predicted odds suggest a 45% chance of victory for the Asian representative, equal to the odds of a draw (45%). Meanwhile, Tunisia's chances of causing an upset are only estimated at 10%.
In terms of scoring, experts predict this will be a low-scoring match. Tunisia is expected to score under 1.5 goals, while Japan is also expected to score under 2.5 goals. This reflects the tense and pragmatic nature of a World Cup opening match.
Final prediction:Japan wins or draws (Double chance).
Suggested options:Given the nature of the match, a double chance option (Draw or Japan wins) combined with a total number of goals over 2.5 could be a worthwhile consideration for those watching this game.
Team lineup updated at 10:27 AM on June 21, 2026.
Official lineup
Tunisia
Diagram: 3-4-2-1
CoachHerve Renard
Starting lineup:
- 16. Aymen Dahmen (G)
- 4. Omar Rekik (D)
- 3. Montassar Talbi (D)
- 6. Dylan Bronn (D)
- 20. Yan Valery (M)
- 17. Ellyes Skhiri (M)
- 10. Hannibal Mejbri (M)
- 2. Ali Abdi (M)
- 8. Elias Saad (F)
- 26. Sebastian Tounekti (F)
- 25. Anis Ben Slimane (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Abdelmouhib Chamakh
- 22. Sabri Ben Hessen
- 5. Adem Arous
- 21. Amine Ben Hmida
- 23. Moataz Nefati
- 24. Raed Chikhaoui
- 7. Elias Achouri
- 11. Ismael Gharbi
- 15. Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud
- 12. Mortadha Ben Ouanes
- 13. Rani Khedira
- 9. Hazem Mastouri
- 19. Firas Chaouat
- 14. Khalil Ayari
- 18. Rayan Elloumi
Japan
Diagram: 3-4-2-1
CoachHajime Moriyasu
Starting lineup:
- 1. Zion Suzuki (G)
- 22. Takehiro Tomiyasu (D)
- 4. Ko Itakura (D)
- 21. Hiroki Itō (D)
- 10. Ritsu Doan (M)
- 24. Kaishu Sano (M)
- 15. Daichi Kamada (M)
- 13. Keito Nakamura (M)
- 14. Junya Ito (F)
- 7. Tanaka Pond (F)
- 18. Ayase Ueda (F)
Substitutes:
- 12. Keisuke Osako
- 23. Tomoki Hayakawa
- 20. Ayumu Seko
- 25. Junnosuke Suzuki
- 3. Shogo Taniguchi
- 16. Tsuyoshi Watanabe
- 2. Yukinari Sugawara
- 5. Yuto Nagatomo
- 17. Yuito Suzuki
- 11. Daizen Maeda
- 9. Keisuke Goto
- 26. Kento Shiogai
- 19. Koki Ogawa
