Sweden stun Tunisia 5–1 in World Cup Group F opener
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- Sweden opens World Cup 2026 campaign with 5–1 win over Tunisia in Group F.
- Graham Potter’s side delivers dominant attacking performance in Monterrey.
Sweden opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Tunisia 5–1 in Monterrey, Mexico, to make an early statement in Group F.
The European side, led by coach Graham Potter, showcased attacking depth and composure, extending their unbeaten run in World Cup opening matches to five.
Early pressure sets tone
Sweden started aggressively and quickly capitalised on defensive uncertainty from Tunisia.
Yasin Ayari broke the deadlock after Tunisia goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh misjudged a long ball from Victor Lindelöf, allowing the midfielder to fire into an unguarded net from distance.
Momentum stayed with Sweden, and Alexander Isak doubled the lead after linking up with Viktor Gyökeres to finish a rapid counterattack.
Tunisia briefly respond
Tunisia reacted before halftime when Omar Rekik rose to head home from a Hannibal Mejbri cross, cutting the deficit and briefly shifting momentum.
The African side went into the break encouraged, but Sweden reasserted control after the restart.
Second-half dominance seals result
Sweden restored control on the hour mark after pressing forced an error from Ellyes Skhiri. Isak turned provider, setting up Gyökeres to finish from close range.
Late in the match, Sweden’s depth proved decisive. Substitute Mattias Svanberg scored seconds after coming on, setting a record for one of the fastest goals by a substitute in World Cup history.
Ayari added his second from distance in stoppage time to complete the 5–1 victory.
Strong start in Group F
The result places Sweden in a strong position in Group F as they prepare for a tougher test against the Netherlands, who began their campaign with a 2–2 draw against Japan.
Tunisia, meanwhile, face an uphill challenge after a heavy opening defeat and will look to regroup in their next fixture.
Sweden’s performance strengthens early expectations around their tournament credentials following a commanding opening display in Monterrey.
