Sweden delivered one of the most impressive performances of the opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Tunisia 5-1 in a dominant Group F encounter at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
The Scandinavian side wasted no time making their intentions clear as midfielder Yasin Ayari opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. The early goal gave Sweden confidence and put Tunisia under immediate pressure.
Sweden continued to control the match and doubled their advantage in the 30th minute when star striker Alexander Isak finished a swift counterattack after excellent teamwork from the Swedish frontline.
Tunisia fought back before halftime and gave their supporters hope when defender Omar Rekik headed home in the 43rd minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal ensured the North Africans remained within touching distance heading into the break.
However, Sweden completely dominated the second half. Viktor Gyökeres restored Sweden’s two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after linking up brilliantly with Isak, making it 3-1.
Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal in the 84th minute after a VAR review confirmed the goal, effectively ending any hopes of a Tunisian comeback.
Ayari then completed a memorable brace deep into stoppage time with another spectacular long-range effort, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory for Sweden and capping off a remarkable individual performance.
The result sends Sweden to the top of Group F after the Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day. It also marks Sweden’s highest goal tally in a World Cup match since 1938.
For Tunisia, the defeat is a disappointing start to their campaign and leaves them under pressure heading into their next group-stage fixture. Meanwhile, Sweden will be full of confidence as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.
Match Summary
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Goals:
- Yasin Ayari (Sweden) – 7′
- Alexander Isak (Sweden) – 30′
- Omar Rekik (Tunisia) – 43′
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden) – 59′
- Mattias Svanberg (Sweden) – 84′
- Yasin Ayari (Sweden) – 90+6′
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Group: Group F
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
