Japan 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama on 21 June as Tunisia travelled to Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe to face Japan in a Group F encounter. Both sides entered the match seeking their first points of the tournament, and the stadium provided a bright backdrop for what turned out to be a decisive Japanese performance.

How it unfolded

The match opened explosively, with Japan drawing first-blood inside the opening five minutes. In the fourth minute Daichi Kamada tapped the ball home from very close range after a precise assist from Keito Nakamura, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The early strike set the tone and forced Tunisia onto the back foot.

Japan’s second goal arrived before the half-hour mark. At the 31st minute Ayase Ueda finished a fast-break move, receiving a low cross from Kou Itakura and curling a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner. The goal widened the gap to 2-0 and highlighted Japan’s fluid transition play.

The second half saw Japan maintain pressure, and the third goal came in the 69th minute. Junya Ito cut inside from the centre of the box and struck a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner, after a well-timed through ball from Ayase Ueda. This increased the tally to 3-0 and underscored the link between Ueda’s creativity and Ito’s finishing.

Japan completed the scoring late in the match. In the 83rd minute Ayase Ueda added a second goal of the evening, this time heading the ball from a Kaishu Sano cross into the bottom right corner. The 4-0 result was sealed with just seven minutes remaining, confirming Japan’s dominance throughout the 90 minutes.

Standout performers

Daichi Kamada opened the scoring and proved decisive with his early finish, while his teammate Keito Nakamura earned the assist that launched Japan’s attack. Ayase Ueda was the standout attacking force, providing an assist for the second goal, scoring twice, and delivering a key through ball for Junya Ito’s strike. Kou Itakura’s cross that set up Ueda’s first goal and Kaishu Sano’s delivery for the fourth highlighted Japan’s depth in creating chances. Junya Ito’s goal added variety to the attack, showcasing his movement and composure inside the box.

Match facts

  • Final score: Tunisia 0-4 Japan
  • Scorers:
    • Daichi Kamada (4’) – assist Keito Nakamura
    • Ayase Ueda (31’, 83’) – assists from Kou Itakura (31’) and Kaishu Sano (83’)
    • Junya Ito (69’) – assist Ayase Ueda
  • Bookings: None
  • Dismissals: None
  • Venue: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe

What it means

The 4-0 victory gives Japan a strong start to its Group F campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Tunisia will look to recover in their remaining group fixtures. Both teams remain in contention as the group stage progresses.