Sweden made an impressive start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 5-1 win over Tunisia in Group F on 14 June at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The Swedish side produced an attacking display that yielded five goals and placed them at the top of the group after the opening round of matches.
The breakthrough came early when Yasin Ayari capitalized on a Tunisian defensive error to give Sweden the lead in the seventh minute. The goal set the tone for the match as Sweden continued to create opportunities through their attacking partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sweden doubled their advantage in the first half when Isak finished a swift counterattacking move. Tunisia managed to respond before the break through Omar Rekik, whose header reduced the deficit and briefly brought the North African side back into the contest.
The second half belonged to Sweden. Isak and Gyokeres combined effectively throughout the match, helping Sweden regain control after Tunisia’s response. Gyokeres added Sweden’s third goal before substitute Mattias Svanberg extended the lead further after a VAR review confirmed the goal.
Ayari completed the scoring with his second goal of the evening, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory. His brace capped an outstanding individual performance and helped Sweden record their highest goal tally in a World Cup match since 1938.
The result gives Sweden three points from their opening Group F fixture and puts them in a strong early position in the race for qualification. The victory also came on the same matchday that Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw, leaving Sweden alone at the top of the group after the first round of games.
Tunisia, meanwhile, will look to recover in their remaining group-stage matches after suffering a difficult start to the tournament.
Standout Performances
• Yasin Ayari scored twice for Sweden.
• Alexander Isak contributed a goal and played a key role in Sweden’s attack.
• Viktor Gyokeres scored and combined effectively with Isak throughout the match.
• Mattias Svanberg came off the bench to add Sweden’s fourth goal.
• Omar Rekik scored Tunisia’s only goal of the match.
Turning Point
Tunisia reduced the deficit to 2-1 and briefly regained momentum, but Sweden responded strongly after halftime. Gyokeres’ goal restored control, and Sweden’s attacking quality proved decisive as they pulled away during the second half.
Match Statistics
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Group F
Date: 14 June 2026
Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey, Mexico
Final Score: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Half-Time Score: Sweden 2-1 Tunisia
Goals
Sweden:
• Yasin Ayari (7′)
• Alexander Isak
• Viktor Gyokeres
• Mattias Svanberg
• Yasin Ayari
Tunisia:
• Omar Rekik
Points Earned
• Sweden: 3
• Tunisia: 0
Sources
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Centre
• Reuters Match Report
• Official FIFA Tournament Coverage