Sweden launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Tunisia 5-1 in a one-sided Group F contest at Estadio Monterrey on Sunday.
Midfielder Yasin Ayari stole the spotlight with a superb two-goal display as the Scandinavian side overwhelmed Tunisia with relentless attacking football. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg also got on the scoresheet in a performance that underlined Sweden’s credentials as serious contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.
From the first whistle, Sweden imposed themselves on the match and looked dangerous every time they surged forward. Their intent was evident as early as the seventh minute when Gyokeres pounced on a rebound inside the area and appeared destined to score, only for a heroic goal-line intervention from a Tunisian defender to keep the game level.
The breakthrough eventually arrived courtesy of Ayari, who produced a moment of brilliance. After collecting possession outside the box, the midfielder unleashed an unstoppable effort that flew into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh with no chance.
Sweden’s dominance continued and they doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. Isak demonstrated his class with a dazzling solo run, weaving through multiple defenders before driving a precise finish past Chamakh to make it 2-0.
With Sweden firmly in command, Tunisia looked destined for a difficult evening. However, the North Africans found a lifeline moments before the interval.
Hannibal Mejbri delivered a dangerous ball into the area and Omar Rekik took full advantage, rising highest to direct a close-range header beyond the Swedish goalkeeper and cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
That goal briefly reignited Tunisian hopes, but any thoughts of a comeback were extinguished shortly after the restart.
A costly defensive lapse in the 59th minute gifted Sweden another opportunity. Gyokeres capitalised on the mistake, winning possession inside the box before calmly finishing to restore his side’s two-goal cushion.
The setback drained Tunisia’s momentum and Sweden continued to dictate the tempo with confidence and composure. As the match entered its closing stages, Svanberg added further gloss to the scoreline when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and fired home.
Although the goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR review, referee Yael Perez eventually confirmed the decision, allowing Sweden’s celebrations to continue.
There was still one final flourish to come. Deep into stoppage time, Ayari completed his outstanding performance by racing onto a perfectly weighted pass before hammering an unstoppable strike inside the post to secure his brace and round off a ruthless Swedish display.
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The convincing victory sends Sweden to the summit of Group F and provides a significant boost to their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
For Tunisia, the heavy defeat leaves little margin for error. The Eagles of Carthage now face a daunting challenge in their remaining fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands as they attempt to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
