Japan produced another impressive display at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey to strengthen their chances of reaching the round of 32. Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net as the Blue Samurai dominated from start to finish.

The victory moved Japan onto four points in Group F alongside the Netherlands and left them in a strong position heading into their final group-stage match.

For Tunisia, the heavy defeat ended their hopes of progressing. After suffering a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening game, they have now been eliminated from the tournament with one match still to play.

Japan Control Historic World Cup Match

The match carried special significance as it became the 1,000th game in FIFA World Cup history. Japan approached the occasion with confidence after earning a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening fixture. They quickly took control against a Tunisia side that struggled to match their technical quality and passing ability.

The Blue Samurai dictated possession from the opening minutes and rarely allowed Tunisia to settle into the game.

Kamada Opens the Scoring Early

Japan made the perfect start by taking the lead in the fourth minute. A slick passing move involving Ao Tanaka and Keito Nakamura carved open the Tunisian defence. Daichi Kamada finished the move from close range to put Japan ahead.

The early goal immediately put Tunisia under pressure and gave Japan complete control of the contest.

Tunisia Struggle to Cope

Japan continued to create chances after the opener and looked capable of scoring every time they moved forward. The Asian side nearly doubled their lead moments later, but Dylan Bronn produced a desperate goal-line clearance to prevent another goal.

Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen also had a busy afternoon. He made several important saves, including one outstanding stop to keep a shot from crossing the line. Despite those efforts, Tunisia struggled to contain Japan's movement and attacking combinations.

Ueda Doubles Japan's Advantage

Japan eventually found their second goal in the 31st minute. Ayase Ueda capitalized on uncertainty in the Tunisian defence and surged forward before unleashing a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area.

The strike flew into the bottom corner and gave Japan a deserved 2-0 lead. At halftime, Tunisia had little answer to Japan's sharp passing and intelligent movement.

Ito Adds Third Goal

Tunisia hoped to improve after the break, but Japan remained firmly in control. Their third goal arrived in the 69th minute when Junya Ito timed his run perfectly to meet a brilliant through ball.

The winger stayed calm and finished confidently past Dahmen to effectively put the result beyond doubt. The goal reflected Japan's efficiency and clinical finishing throughout the match.

Ueda Completes the Rout

Japan continued to attack in the closing stages and added a fourth goal seven minutes from time. Ueda rose above the defence and guided a looping header into the net to score his second goal of the match. His brace capped an outstanding individual performance and completed a dominant victory for the Blue Samurai.

Tough Start for Tunisia's New Coach

The defeat marked a disappointing beginning for Tunisia's new manager, Hervé Renard. Renard was appointed shortly before the match following the dismissal of former coach Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia's heavy defeat against Sweden.

However, the new coach was unable to inspire an immediate turnaround as his side struggled against superior opposition.

Japan Close In on Last 32

The victory leaves Japan in an excellent position to qualify for the knockout stage. With four points from two matches, they sit level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F and need only a positive result in their final group game to secure progression.

Tunisia, meanwhile, will play only for pride in their last match after suffering back-to-back heavy defeats. Japan's performance once again highlighted their technical quality, attacking depth and growing confidence, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament as the knockout rounds approach.