FIFA World Cup 2026: Ayase Ueda inspires dominant Japan to emphatic 4-0 win over Tunisia

Japan claimed a surprising yet dominating 4-0 win against Tunisia in their second Group F clash at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Monterrey Stadium on Sunday, June 21. The solid win moved the Blue Samurai level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F with four points, putting them on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages.

Entertaining first half

The Asian heavyweights stamped their authority right from the first minute of the game, taking less than four minutes to score the first goal by exposing the Tunisian defense when Daichi Kamada finished from close range after a series of slick passing. Japan's brilliant positional play laid the foundation for the second goal in the 31st minute. Striker Ayase Ueda managed to convert a low strike to extend their lead by 2-0.

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Tunisian defense with no answers

Tunisia tried to create some chances with structural altercations at half-time, but Japan swiftly controlled the pace of the game and did not offer a single half-chance to the opposition. In the 69th minute, Ueda played a key role by delivering a perfect pass to Junya Ito, who slotted the third goal for Japan.

Ueda then stole the thunder by capitalizing on a loose midfield turnover to send a looping header past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to seal the game by 4-0.

Next challenge for Japan

After another stellar performance in the FIFA World Cup, Japan will lock horns against Sweden in their upcoming Group F clash on Thursday, June 25 at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. If Japan manages to claim a positive result in the clash against Sweden, then the Blue Samurai will have a spot in the Round of 32.