Sweden sent a powerful message to the rest of Group F with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With both Netherlands and Japan dropping points earlier in the group, the opportunity to seize control of the standings was there for the taking and Graham Potter's side grabbed it with both hands.

Few expected such a one-sided contest, but Sweden delivered one of the most impressive attacking displays of the tournament so far.

Ayari Strikes Early Against His Roots

The breakthrough arrived after just six minutes. Midfielder Yasin Ayari, facing a nation closely connected to his Tunisian heritage, opened the scoring with a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh.

The early goal only increased Sweden's confidence. The Scandinavian side controlled possession, moved the ball with purpose and consistently exposed gaps in Tunisia's defensive structure.

On the 29th minute, Sweden doubled their advantage through their star forward partnership. Viktor Gyökeres released Alexander Isak with a perfectly weighted pass, and the Newcastle United striker did the rest. Isak burst past the defenders with pace and precision before calmly slotting home to make it 2-0.

Tunisia Respond, but Sweden Take Complete Control

Tunisia briefly gave themselves hope just before the interval with a well-timed goal that cut the deficit and shifted momentum heading into the dressing room.

Any thoughts of a comeback, however, were quickly extinguished after the restart.

The second half turned into a showcase of Sweden's attacking quality. In the 58th minute, Alexander Isak returned the favour to Viktor Gyökeres, squaring the ball for his strike partner after a costly defensive mistake from Tunisia. Gyökeres had the simplest of tasks, restoring Sweden's two-goal cushion and making it 3-1.

From that moment on, the outcome was never in doubt. Sweden continued to press forward, sensing an opportunity to improve their goal difference — a factor that could prove crucial in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

Late Goals Complete the Rout

The scoreline became even more emphatic in the closing stages. Substitute Mattias Svanberg, who had only recently entered the pitch, added a fourth goal in the 84th minute to cap another flowing attacking move.

Deep into stoppage time, Yasin Ayari completed his brace and put the finishing touch on a memorable evening for Sweden, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

World Cup 2026

Sweden - Tunisia 5:1 (2:1)
Goals: Ayari, 7 (1:0); Isak, 30 (2:0); Rekik O., 43 (2:1); Gyökeres, 60 (3:1); Svanberg, 84 (4:1); Ayari, 96 (5:1)

Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke; Lindelöf; Hien; Gudmundsson G. (Stroud, 65); Ayari; Karlstrom (Svanberg, 84); Bernhardsson (Svensson D., 90); Isak (Elanga, 90); Nygren (Bergvall, 65); Gyökeres
Substitution: Bergvall (from 65); Stroud (from 65); Svanberg (from 84); Svensson D. (from 90); Elanga (from 90)
Bench: Zetterström; Johansson V.; Ekdal; Holm E.; Starfelt; Smith E.; Sema; Ali; Zeneli B.; Nilsson G.

Tunisia: Chamakh; Talbi; Rekik O.; Abdi Ali; Ben Hamida; Valery (Hadj Mahmoud, 72); Khedira R. (Gharbi, 85); Skhiri (Achouri, 72); Saad (Tounekti, 72); Mejbri; Ben Slimane A. (Chaouat, 85)
Substitution: Hadj Mahmoud (from 72); Achouri (from 72); Tounekti (from 72); Gharbi (from 85); Chaouat (from 85)
Bench: Dahmen Ay.; Ben Hessen; Neffati; Arous Adem; Bronn; Chikhaoui; Ben Ouanes; Ayari; Elloumi; Mastouri
Yellow Cards: Khedira R. 54