Japan took a significant step towards securing a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the fourth consecutive tournament after triumphing over Tunisia with a convincing 4-0 victory in Group F.
Japan’s four-goal haul is the highest they have ever achieved in a World Cup match, showcasing their ability to dismantle a Tunisian side that recently became the first team to part ways with its coach after the opening match.
Ayase Ueda netted two goals, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Itō each contributed one, putting Japan level on points with the Netherlands at four points. The Dutch currently lead the group based on a superior goal difference.
This loss eliminates Tunisia from the tournament, while Japan is assured of at least a third-place finish, potentially enough to progress to the knockout rounds.
Tunisia brought in two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion Hervé Renard to revive their hopes after a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Sweden, but they struggled to contain Japan’s swift attacks and generated few scoring opportunities of their own.
Kamada kicked off the scoring in the fourth minute, marking the quickest goal in Japan’s World Cup history. Positioned perfectly for Keito Nakamura’s cross, the Crystal Palace midfielder tapped in his second goal of the tournament.
In the 31st minute, Ayase Ueda seized the ball in midfield and advanced towards Tunisia’s goal. Although he had options to pass to advancing teammates, Ueda took matters into his own hands, unleashing an angled shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner, making it 2-0.
Having enjoyed a stellar club season with Feyenoord, where he scored 24 goals to become the league’s top scorer in the Eredivisie, Ueda continued to shine in the World Cup.
In the 69th minute, Junya Itō added a third for Japan after a flick from Ueda left him one-on-one with Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, which he slotted home with ease.
Ueda capped off a remarkable performance with a masterful looping header in the 83rd minute, securing his brace for the night and solidifying Japan’s commanding victory.
Japan, who have not lost to a European side in regular time since 2019, will face Sweden in Dallas on Thursday, while Tunisia will take on the Netherlands in Kansas City at the same time.