Japan took a big step towards the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday (Sunday afternoon, Japan time), as they defeated Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey, Mexico to move second in Group F.
The Samurai Blue had only won their second group-stage game once in seven previous World Cup appearances, but having drawn their opener 2-2 against the Netherlands Hajime Moriyasu’s men knew they needed all three points from this clash and burst out of the traps at Monterrey Stadium.
Former Sagan Tosu midfielder Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, tucking in from close range after ex-Gamba Osaka winger Keito Nakamura had done well to get to the byline and driven a low ball into the six-yard box.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who started his career in the J.LEAGUE for Avispa Fukuoka, almost doubled Japan’s advantage six minutes later, but his touch goalwards was miraculously kept out after a superb reaction save from Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
Things did get even better for Japan just past the half-hour mark though, as Ayase Ueda, once of Kashima Antlers, was allowed time and space to line up a shot and rifle an unstoppable drive into the net from the edge of the area in the 31st minute.
Japan didn’t let their guard down in the second half either, refusing to offer Tunisia any encouragement as they maintained their concentration in defence and always looked to create further chances of their own when in possession.
That positive approach saw Japan make it 3-0 in the 69th minute, Ueda this time the provider as he clipped a ball into the path of Junya Ito, formerly of Kashiwa Reysol, who kept his composure once one-on-one with Dahmen and slotted into the back of the net.
Even now Japan refused to take their foot off the gas, and Ueda was celebrating his second goal of the game with seven minutes remaining, guiding a perfectly-controlled looping header over the line after a cross from ex-Kashima midfielder Kaishu Sano.
That wrapped up a historic win for Japan, the biggest any Asian nation has ever recorded at the World Cup, and leaves them only trailing the Netherlands on goals scored with one group-stage game remaining.
That contest is against Sweden in Dallas on Thursday (Friday morning, Japan time), where a draw will be enough to guarantee a top two finish and progression to the Round of 32.
