Sweden Thrash Tunisia 5-1 in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener as Yasin Ayari Nets Brace

Sweden produced one of the most sparkling performances in the World Cup's opening week in a 5-1 romp over Tunisia in their Group F opener.

Yasin Ayari netted a brace as the attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres tormented the Tunisian defence at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

Sweden's pace, movement and clinical finishing was too much for Tunisia. Sweden moved to the top of theit group ahead of the Netherlands and Japan, who earlier played out a 2-2 draw.

Ayari opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a booming strike from outside the area to exploit a defensive mix-up and Sweden doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Isak pounced on a rapid counter-attack.

Tunisia responded before the interval as defender Omar Rekik glanced home a header in the 43rd minute to offer hope to the North Africans but they were completely overwhelmed in the second half.

Gyokeres put Sweden 3-1 up in the 59th minute before substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal in the 84th minute. Ayari then completed the scoreline in stoppage time with another booming long-range shot.

Sweden coach Graham Potter appreciated th attacking partnership of Isak and Gyokeres but spoke of keeping focus for the next games.

"I thought our front players were excellent. They showed composure, intelligence and a real understanding of each other. It was a very good team performance," Potter said after the match.

"It's only one game. We have to recover and prepare because this group is very competitive, but the players can be pleased with how they approached this match."

Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi rued their mistakes but said they still have opportunity to recover.

"At this level, you cannot make so many errors. We gave Sweden opportunities and they punished us every time," Lamouchi said.

He added that Tunisia still had an opportunity to recover.

"We have to analyse what went wrong, improve quickly and be ready for the next game. The tournament is not over for us."

Sweden face the Netherlands next on June 20, while Tunisia take on Japan on June 21.

Chosen by the fans: Alexander Isak, your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match.

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/CyLZvQNhVV

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026

Player of the Match:Alexander Isak (Sweden)