The coaching change failed as Tunisia exited the World Cup after another heavy defeat against Japan
Tunisia disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup The campaign ended after a 4-0 defeat by Japan confirmed elimination from the tournament.
The North Africans arrived at the game under new coach Herve Renard following the sacking of Sabri Lamouchi following a heavy defeat to Sweden, but the managerial change brought no improvement as Japan dominated from start to finish in Monterrey, Mexico.
The defeat leaves Tunisia without a point in two games and unable to qualify for the knockout stages ahead of their final Group F game against the Netherlands.
Japan attacks early and takes control
Japan wasted little time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring inside four minutes through Daichi Kamada.
The Crystal Palace midfielder finished off a quick counter-attack with a close-range shot after Tunisia were caught in the defence.
The Asian side soon doubled their lead when Ayase Ueda produced a composed shot from the edge of the box, sending the ball into the far corner after finding space in a stretched Tunisian defence.
Tunisia struggled to respond and were repeatedly outplayed by Japan’s quick passing and intelligent movement.
Ueda takes hold while Tunisia is relegated
Japan continued to create chances throughout the second half and increased their lead when Junya Ito raced towards goal and calmly beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
Ueda then completed the scoring with a shot into the far corner for his second goal of the game and the highlight of an impressive team performance.
Tunisia rarely threatened the Japanese goal and lacked the creativity needed to trouble a disciplined opponent.
Their attacks were comfortably contained as Japan controlled possession and dictated the entire game.
The result moves Japan up by four points and puts them in a strong position for a place in the round of 16. They can secure outright qualification when they face Sweden in their final group game.
For Tunisia, the loss marks the end of a turbulent World Cup campaign that has included a coaching change and back-to-back defeats.
They will conclude the tournament against group leaders the Netherlands, but their hopes of going further are already gone.
