SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) took on Tunisia in their second group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on 20 June (local time) in Monterrey, Mexico.

Despite appearing at seven previous FIFA World Cups, Japan had won their second group-stage match only once before, against Russia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™. Although they had earned a dramatic draw against the Netherlands after twice coming from behind in their opener, the players were fully aware of Japan's long-standing struggles in second group-stage matches. Before kick-off, NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Tokyo) spoke about the unique challenges of the match and urged his teammates to remain fully focused.

Head coach MORIYASU Hajime made four changes to the side that faced the Netherlands. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) started in goal behind a back three of TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax), ITAKURA Kou (AFC Ajax) and ITO Hiroki (Bayern Munich). In midfield, DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt), SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05), TANAKA Ao (Leeds United) and NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) were selected. There were also two changes behind lone striker UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord), as KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace) and ITO Junya (KRC Genk) replaced KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad), who missed the match through injury, and MAEDA Daizen (Celtic FC).

Japan overwhelmed Tunisia from the outset with their aggressive pressing and rapid transitions, and they found the net after only four minutes. Tomiyasu's forward pass was flicked on by Kamada before Ueda, who had drifted to the right, fed Tanaka inside. The ball was then worked to Nakamura on the left, and the winger drove into the box before sending a fast, low cut-back from near the byline. Kamada, who had been involved in the move from the beginning and continued his run into the penalty area, subtly redirected the ball with the inside of his left foot and guided it into the net.

Tunisia had changed head coach following a heavy defeat in their opening match, making it difficult to scout their likely approach. But Japan's early breakthrough immediately swung the momentum in their favour. They denied Tunisia any sustained possession and, through disciplined pressing after losing the ball, repeatedly launched further attacks. Their second goal arrived in the 31st minute. After Itakura intercepted possession and immediately played the ball forward, Ueda collected it inside the Tunisian half and drove towards the penalty area. Assessing the space in front of him, he then rifled a right-footed effort from the right side into the far corner.

Japan continued to dominate after the interval. Maintaining possession and switching play from side to side, they patiently searched for openings. Tanaka frequently advanced from central midfield to provide an extra attacking option, while Kamada continued to make decisive movements in the final third.

The third goal arrived in the 69th minute. Ueda dropped deep and flicked on Tanaka's pass into the space behind the Tunisian defence, allowing Ito to race through and finish. Japan added a fourth in the 83rd minute through another fine piece of combination play. Sano reacted to Ito's through pass and clipped a cross from near the right-hand byline, where Ueda was waiting in the centre. The striker directed a looping header across goal and into the far corner. The goal made it 4-0, a new Japan record for goals scored in a FIFA World Cup match, surpassing the previous record of three goals in the 3-1 victory over Denmark at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

“The change of coach meant we had very little idea of how Tunisia would approach the match,” Moriyasu said afterwards. “The players prepared brilliantly, and the coaching staff gave them a clear framework that allowed them to play with confidence and freedom. The players thought carefully about what was required and gave everything, and I think that was reflected in the result.”

Coincidentally, the match was the 1,000th in FIFA World Cup history, making it a landmark occasion watched around the globe. On such a stage, Japan combined collective organisation with individual quality at both ends of the pitch and finally overcame the second-match hurdle that had troubled them throughout their World Cup history.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
This was the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, and I believe people all over the world were watching. I am very pleased that we were able to mark such an occasion with a victory. Our approach has always been built around two themes: giving everything to win the match in front of us and having the courage to keep challenging ourselves to improve. We have taken that approach into every match and built the team step by step. Of course, injuries are disappointing and painful for the team. But we have built this squad to be a team that can win and function regardless of who is on the pitch. I think the players have taken great pride and confidence from that, and they believe the current group represents our best possible team. Many of our players are still relatively inexperienced, but I see that as one of this team's greatest areas for growth.

MF/FW #14 ITO Junya (KRC Genk/Belgium)
I think it was important that we made a good start to the match and managed to score so early. Regarding my goal, we practise those movements a lot, especially when the ball goes into the striker or one of the players underneath him. I was pleased that I was able to make the run we had worked on and finish the move exactly as we had intended. I came into this tournament determined to score because I could not find the net at the last World Cup. Now that I have got the first one, I want to keep going and score more goals that help the team win.

MF/FW #15 KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace/England)
Today I was playing as a number 10, so rather than focusing on controlling the game, my main objective was to get into goalscoring positions. We progressed the ball forward really well from our build-up play, and I was able to do the kind of work I had set out to do. I had a clear image of Nakamura driving to the byline and delivering a cross, so I just tried to get into an area that would be dangerous for the defenders and make contact with the ball. Against the Netherlands, I scored in rather fortunate circumstances, but I did not want that goal to define my tournament. I wanted to back it up with another one, so I am delighted I managed to score again.

MF/FW #18 UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord/Netherlands)
I am simply delighted. I had a very frustrating experience four years ago, and it feels as though everything I have built since then finally came together today. For my first goal, because it came so early in the game, I already had it in my mind that I was going to shoot if I got the chance. So, I ended up using Ito as a decoy. The joy, the sense of achievement and everything I have carried with me, make this goal completely different from any goal I have scored before. I always felt that the disappointment I experienced four years ago could only truly be overcome on this same stage. I was frustrated after the Netherlands match because I did not feel I had done enough to help the team win, but today I think I was able to make a real contribution.

FIFA World Cup 2026™

Tournament duration: Thu. 11 June - Sun. 19 July 2026
Group Stage
1st match: Mon. 15 June 5:00 [JST] vs Netherlands
2nd match: Sun. 21 June 13:00 [JST] vs Tunisia
3rd match: Fri. 26 June 8:00 [JST] vs Sweden
Tournament information