Tunisia meet Japan in a crucial Group F showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would lift Tunisia off the foot of the Group F table, whilst Japan could go top with a win if Netherlands beat Sweden then they better the Dutch’s winning margin.
Team News
Tunisia have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 5-1 defeat to Sweden, although Sabri Lamouchi was sacked as a consequence and has been replaced by Herve Renard.
Japan will be without Takefusa Kubo after he suffered a serious knee injury in their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
When is Kick-Off?
Tunisia face Japan at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico, on Saturday 20 June at 10pm CST (5am BST, Sunday 21 June), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Tunisia lost 2-0 in their only previous World Cup meeting against Japan in the 2002 edition.
- Japan are yet to draw against Tunisia in all competitions – having claimed five wins and one loss in six previous meetings (W5, L1).
- Tunisia failed to score in any of their five previous losses to Japan across all competitions.
- Omar Rekik and Elias Achouri were the only Tunisia players to register a shot on target in their defeat to Sweden.
- Daichi Kamada won more tackles than any of his Japanese teammates against the Netherlands (3).
Prediction
Following the bizarre decision to sack Lamouchi and appoint Renard as his replacement after their disastrous opening match of the tournament, Tunisia realistically need a miracle just to get out of the group because this is realistically do-or-die for their World Cup dreams.
Japan meanwhile will be right up for this game because they showed grit and determination to twice come from behind to draw against Netherlands in a lively second half, but this should be a more comfortable game if they bring their top attacking play.
As much as we hear of a ‘managerial bounce’ when a new manager comes in, this is different territory and I don’t see Tunisia winning this so it is about self-respect for their country now as Japan should routinely win this.
Prediction: Tunisia 0-2 Japan