Sweden rout Tunisia 5-1 In FIFA World Cup 2026 opener
Sweden made one of the strongest opening statements of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by dismantling Tunisia 5-1 in Guadalupe, moving to the top of Group F with a commanding display of attacking football.
Goals from Yasin Ayari (2), Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Mattias Svanberg ensured Graham Potter's side began their campaign in perfect fashion, while Tunisia's normally disciplined defence endured one of its toughest evenings in recent years.
The victory also marked an encouraging return to the World Cup stage for Sweden after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Ayari opens the floodgates
Sweden wasted little time asserting themselves. Just seven minutes into the match, Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari fired a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner after Tunisia failed to clear their lines.
Despite his brilliant finish, Ayari celebrated modestly, acknowledging his Moroccan and Tunisian heritage. The early breakthrough settled Sweden, who controlled possession and repeatedly exposed Tunisia on quick transitions.
Isak punishes Tunisia before halftime
Sweden doubled their advantage after 30 minutes through Alexander Isak. The Liverpool forward burst down the left flank before cutting inside and beating goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh with a powerful effort that squeezed past the Tunisian shot-stopper despite getting a hand to the ball.
The goal highlighted Sweden's pace on the counterattack and put Tunisia under increasing pressure.
Tunisia offer brief hope
Tunisia found a lifeline just before halftime. Defender Omar Rekik rose highest to head home Hannibal Mejbri's inviting cross, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving the North Africans renewed belief heading into the break.
It briefly threatened to change the momentum after Sweden had dominated large periods of the opening half.
Sweden pull away after defensive errors
Any hopes of a Tunisian comeback disappeared shortly after the restart. Midfielder Ellyes Skhiri lost possession dangerously near his own penalty area, allowing Alexander Isak to pounce before setting up Viktor Gyokeres, who calmly finished to restore Sweden's two-goal cushion.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal after a lengthy VAR review confirmed he had remained onside. Ayari then completed an outstanding personal performance with another superb strike from outside the area, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory.
Tunisia's defensive record ends
The defeat was particularly surprising considering Tunisia entered the tournament with one of the strongest defensive records in international football.
The North Africans had completed their entire World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a single goal, becoming one of only a handful of nations to achieve that feat. However, Sweden's pace, movement and clinical finishing repeatedly exposed Tunisia throughout the contest.
Group F Picture
The convincing victory places Sweden at the summit of Group F after the opening round of matches and significantly boosts their goal difference heading into their remaining fixtures.
For Tunisia, recovering from such a heavy defeat will be essential if they hope to challenge for a place in the knockout stages. Sweden, quarter-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, have now announced themselves as genuine contenders to progress beyond the group phase once again.
SportsLigue
