Sweden’s Dominant 5-1 Win Over Tunisia Places Them Top of Group F

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1 in their opening match of Group F at the 2026 World Cup, with Yasin Ayari scoring twice and Alexander Isak adding two goals. This dominant win propels Sweden to the top of the group and sets up a crucial upcoming match against the Netherlands as the teams compete for knockout round qualification.

Sweden surged to the top of Group F at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. The win highlighted Sweden’s strong return to the tournament after missing the 2022 edition.

Yasin Ayari was the standout performer for Sweden, scoring twice from long range, netting in the seventh minute and adding a late goal during second-half stoppage time. Notably, Ayari celebrated his opening goal with restraint, raising his hands in tribute to Tunisia, the homeland of his father. Ayari had previously declined the opportunity to switch allegiance to Tunisia ahead of the 2022 World Cup and instead elected to represent Sweden, a decision supported by his father, Azzouz Ayari.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also played key roles in Sweden’s dominant display. Isak, who has overcome recent injury setbacks, scored twice, including his 18th international goal in the 30th minute following a counterattack assisted by Gyökeres. Later, Isak intercepted the ball and set up Gyökeres for an easy finish to extend Sweden’s lead. Both players have developed strong chemistry, according to Sweden coach Graham Potter, who expressed satisfaction with his team’s cohesiveness and performance.

Mattias Svanberg contributed Sweden’s fourth goal in the 84th minute, awarded after a video review, sealing the team’s decisive advantage over the 45th-ranked Tunisia side.

Tunisia, appearing in its seventh World Cup, managed a consolation goal from Omar Rekik just before halftime but has yet to progress beyond the group stage in its tournament history. Despite the loss, Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi praised Ayari’s decision to represent Sweden and wished him well following the match.

Elsewhere in Group F, the Netherlands and Japan played to a 2-2 draw earlier on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Sweden will face the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday, while Tunisia remains in Monterrey to take on Japan the same day. The group remains tightly contested as teams jostle for advancement to the knockout rounds.