Sweden Thrash Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup Group F Opener

UNS:
Sweden launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Tunisia 5-1 in their Group F opener at Estadio Monterrey on Sunday to move to the top of the standings with three points.
Midfielder Yasin Ayari produced a standout performance, scoring twice, while star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres also found the net as Sweden recorded their highest-scoring World Cup match since their 8-0 victory over Cuba in 1938.
The Swedes took an early lead in the seventh minute after a mistake by Tunisian goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh. Pressured by Isak, Chamakh failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing Ayari to seize possession and fire a powerful strike into the net.
Tunisia attempted to respond but were punished again on the counterattack midway through the first half. Sweden quickly transitioned from defense to attack, with Gyokeres releasing Isak down the left flank. The Newcastle striker cut inside and calmly finished to double Sweden’s advantage.
Despite struggling for much of the opening period, Tunisia reduced the deficit before halftime through defender Omar Rekik, whose well-placed glancing header marked his side’s first shot on target.
Sweden continued to dominate after the break. Although Isak and Gyokeres initially lacked coordination in the final third, the pair combined effectively just after the hour mark. Isak won possession from Ellyes Skhiri and set up Gyokeres for a simple finish to make it 3-1.
The Scandinavian side added two more goals late in the match, including Ayari’s second strike, completing a commanding 5-1 victory and sending a strong message to Group F rivals Japan and the Netherlands.
The result gives Sweden an ideal start to their World Cup campaign, while Tunisia face an uphill battle to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.