By Dwayne Ferreira.
Ayase Ueda scores twice as Japan overwhelm Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th World Cup match, eliminating the Eagles of Carthage from Group F.
An Ayase Ueda double sent Japan towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage as the Samurai Blue overwhelmed Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th match in tournament history.
Japan entered the Group F contest after earning an impressive 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. Tunisia were under severe pressure following their 5-1 opening defeat to Sweden.
Hajime Moriyasu’s team immediately established control despite the absence of Takefusa Kubo. Japan pressed aggressively, moved the ball at speed and gave Tunisia little opportunity to settle.
Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute. The early goal placed Tunisia in another difficult position and rewarded Japan for a confident, purposeful beginning.
Japan continued attacking rather than protecting the lead. Their midfield combinations repeatedly opened gaps between Tunisia’s defensive lines, while the movement of Ueda stretched the back four.
Ueda doubled the advantage in the 31st minute. The striker’s finish gave Japan complete control and left Tunisia requiring an extraordinary comeback to preserve realistic qualification hopes.
The Eagles of Carthage attempted to respond after halftime, but Japan remained the more organised and technically secure team. Moriyasu’s players controlled possession and continued creating the clearer chances.
Junya Ito scored the third goal in the 69th minute. His contribution was particularly important with Kubo unavailable, providing width, speed and another source of creativity.
Ueda completed the scoring in the 84th minute, directing a header from Kaishu Sano’s delivery beyond the goalkeeper. The goal completed his brace and capped an outstanding centre-forward performance.
Japan’s victory carried additional historical significance because the fixture was the 1,000th match played in men’s World Cup history. The Samurai Blue marked the occasion with one of their most convincing tournament displays.
The result moved Japan to four points, level with the Netherlands. Their strong goal difference has also improved their prospects before the final group matches.
Tunisia became the third nation eliminated from the 2026 tournament. Two defeats, nine goals conceded and only one scored exposed defensive problems they were unable to correct between matches.
Japan will face Sweden on June 25 in a decisive contest that could determine the final Group F order. Tunisia conclude against the Netherlands with pride rather than qualification at stake.
Japan’s opening two performances have now combined resilience with attacking quality. After recovering twice against the Netherlands, they followed that draw with four unanswered goals and another clear demonstration of their growing international strength.
MATCH SUMMARY
Tunisia – 0
Japan – 4
Daichi Kamada 4’
Ayase Ueda 31’, 84’
Junya Ito 69’
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group F
Venue: Monterrey Stadium
Result: Japan won 4-0
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