Japan produced one of their most complete performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, brushing aside Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey to move within touching distance of the Round of 32.
The Samurai Blue controlled the match from start to finish, combining quick attacking football with defensive discipline to overwhelm a Tunisia side that never truly recovered after conceding inside the opening minutes.
For Tunisia, the defeat officially ended their World Cup campaign, while Japan now head into the final group match against Sweden knowing qualification is firmly within their grasp.
Japan Set the Tone from the Opening Minutes
Japan wasted no time asserting themselves.
Only four minutes had passed when Daichi Kamada continued his outstanding tournament by firing the Samurai Blue into an early lead.
The goal immediately shifted the momentum in Japan’s favour and forced Tunisia to chase the game much earlier than planned.
Rather than sitting back, Hajime Moriyasu’s side continued pressing aggressively, dominating possession and constantly stretching Tunisia’s defensive shape.
Their confidence only grew as the first half progressed.
Ayase Ueda doubled the advantage with a superb strike before Junya Ito added a third following another brilliant contribution from Kamada.
Any hopes of a Tunisian comeback had already disappeared before halftime.
Kamada Continues to Shine on the Biggest Stage
Daichi Kamada is quickly becoming one of the standout performers of the 2026 World Cup.
After rescuing Japan with a late equaliser against the Netherlands in their opening match, the Crystal Palace midfielder once again delivered when his country needed him most.
His early goal settled Japan’s nerves, while his perfectly weighted assist for Junya Ito highlighted the intelligence and vision that have made him the heartbeat of Japan’s attack.
Interestingly, Kamada endured a frustrating domestic season without scoring a single league goal, yet he has now produced decisive performances in consecutive World Cup matches.
Few players have embraced the international stage quite like the Japanese playmaker.
Tunisia’s Defensive Reputation Falls Apart
Tunisia entered the tournament with one of the strongest defensive records in African qualifying.
They had conceded just once in ten qualification matches.
At the World Cup, however, that defensive solidity completely disappeared.
Japan repeatedly exploited the spaces between midfield and defence, moving the ball with speed and precision.
Tunisia struggled to cope with the movement of Kamada, Ito and Ueda, while costly mistakes in possession only invited further pressure.
The fourth goal perfectly summed up the evening.
A careless turnover in midfield allowed Japan to launch another rapid attack, ending with Ueda completing his brace and putting the result beyond doubt.
Japan One Step Away from the Knockout Stage
The convincing victory leaves Japan in an excellent position heading into the final round of Group F fixtures.
With four points already secured, a draw against Sweden should be enough to guarantee progression to the Round of 32.
A victory could even see the Samurai Blue finish top of the group, depending on the Netherlands’ result.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have officially been eliminated after suffering back-to-back defeats.
Their final fixture against the Netherlands will now only determine the final group standings.
Final Verdict
Japan delivered a mature and ruthless performance that underlined their growing status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.
Daichi Kamada once again inspired the Samurai Blue with another outstanding display, while Ayase Ueda’s clinical finishing ensured there would be no route back for Tunisia.
With confidence rising and qualification almost secured, Japan look increasingly capable of making a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Tunisia, however, an early exit marks a disappointing end to a campaign that promised far more than it ultimately delivered.
