Japan dispatched Tunisia 4-0 in Group F, recording the largest victory margin ever by an Asian side at a World Cup. Ayase Ueda netted a brace while Daichi Kamada and Junya Itō added the other goals. The win lifts the Samurai Blue to four points, tying the Netherlands but trailing on goal difference.

Tunisia entered the match after sacking its coach following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, appointing two‑time Africa Cup winner Hervé Renard in a last‑ditch effort. Japan’s pressure proved relentless; Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, the fastest Japanese World Cup goal ever. Tunisia never generated clear chances, leaving them eliminated.

With the victory, Japan secures at least third place in Group F, a position that can carry them through to the knockout round. Their next fixture pits them against Sweden in Dallas, while Tunisia will face the Netherlands in Kansas City. Japan’s unbeaten run against European sides since 2019 continues.

Tunisia’s early exit ends their fourth straight World Cup appearance without a point. The loss underscores the difficulty of adjusting to Renard’s tactics in time and leaves the North African side to regroup for future qualifiers. Japan now eyes a decisive clash with Sweden to clinch top spot.