World Cup 2026: Sweden Thrash Tunisia 5–1 in Group Opener

Tunisia endured a difficult start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Monday after suffering a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden in their Group F opener at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

The North African side, known for their defensive discipline during qualification, were overwhelmed by a sharp and clinical Swedish attack that delivered goals across both halves to secure a dominant victory.

Sweden set the tone early, with Yasin Ayari breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute after unleashing a powerful strike from distance that flew into the top corner.

The momentum remained firmly with the Europeans, and Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the 30th minute after a swift counter-attack involving Viktor Gyökeres, who combined well before Isak finished calmly.

Tunisia managed to pull one back before halftime when Omar Rekik rose highest to head in a precise delivery from Hannibal Mejbri, offering brief hope at 2–1.

However, Sweden regained full control in the second half as Gyökeres added a third in the 59th minute, finishing off a move created by Isak to restore a comfortable cushion.

The introduction of Mattias Svanberg further tilted the game, as the substitute scored just 18 seconds after coming on, making it 4–1 following a VAR check. The strike ranks among the fastest goals by a substitute in World Cup history.

Ayari capped off his outstanding performance in stoppage time with another long-range effort to complete his brace and seal a comprehensive 5–1 win.

The result stands as one of Tunisia’s heaviest defeats at a World Cup finals and echoes past heavy losses suffered by African teams on the global stage.

The defeat leaves Tunisia needing a strong response in their remaining Group F fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands, while Sweden move to the top of the group after an impressive opening display.