In the opening match of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Sweden faced Tunisia and took the lead in the 7th minute through Y. Ayari, with no assist recorded on the goal. In the 30th minute, A. Isak finished a chance created by V. Gyokeres to make it 2-0.
Tunisia reduced the gap before halftime. In the 43rd minute, O. Rekik scored with an assist from Hannibal Mejbri, and Sweden went into the break leading 2-1.
After the interval, Tunisia received a yellow card in the 54th minute, shown to Rani Khedira. Sweden extended the lead again in the 59th minute when V. Gyokeres scored from an A. Isak assist. In the 84th minute, M. Svanberg scored from another A. Isak assist; after VAR review in the 86th minute, the goal was confirmed and recorded as Mattias Svanberg. In the 90th minute, Y. Ayari completed his second goal of the night with an assist from L. Bergvall, sealing a 5-1 win for Sweden over Tunisia.
Match statistics showed Sweden with 49% possession and Tunisia with 51%; expected goals were 1.33 for Sweden and 0.28 for Tunisia; shots were 13 to 6; shots on target 7 to 2; passing accuracy 78% to 79%; corners 4 to 2; offsides 3 to 6; saves 1 to 1; and fouls 10 to 8.
Looking ahead, Sweden will play the Netherlands away on 2026-06-20 in Group Stage - 2. Sweden currently sits first in Group F with one win from one match, three points, and a +4 goal difference, with the official bracket label currently shown as Round of 32. Tunisia will host Japan on 2026-06-21 in Group Stage - 2. Tunisia is fourth in Group F after one match, with zero points and a -4 goal difference.
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