Sweden made a sensational start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by defeating Tunisia 5-1 in their Group F opener at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. The emphatic victory sent Sweden to the top of the group standings with three points, ahead of Japan and the Netherlands, who shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
The star of the evening was Yasin Ayari, who delivered a memorable performance by scoring two stunning goals against the country of his father’s heritage. The midfielder opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Tunisia goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to clear the ball under pressure. Ayari reacted quickest and unleashed a powerful strike that gave Sweden an early advantage.
Sweden doubled their lead midway through the first half through Alexander Isak. The Newcastle United forward finished off a swift counterattack after being set up by Viktor Gyokeres, exposing Tunisia’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Tunisia struggled to create opportunities but managed to reduce the deficit before halftime. Defender Omar Rekik scored with a brilliant glancing header from the team’s first shot on target, giving the North Africans a glimmer of hope.
However, Sweden regained full control after the break. Isak and Gyokeres combined effectively once again, with Gyokeres finding the net to make it 3-1. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal late in the match after a VAR review overturned an offside decision.
Ayari completed the rout in stoppage time with another spectacular long-range effort, sealing a historic victory for Sweden. It was the first time the Scandinavian side had scored five goals in a World Cup match since their 8-0 triumph over Cuba in 1938.
Sweden coach Graham Potter praised his team’s composure and attacking quality, while Tunisia manager Sabri Lamouchi admitted his side made costly mistakes that proved decisive.
The commanding win gives Sweden early momentum as they look to progress from a highly competitive Group F.
