World Cup 2026 Corner: Isak and Gyokers Shines as Sweden Demolish Tunisia 5-1
Sweden delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Tunisia 5-1 at Estadio Monterrey. Star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres played important roles in the victory, contributing both goals and assists as the Scandinavian side moved to the top of Group F.
Sweden Hammer Tunisia 5-1 to Top Group F
Having qualified for the World Cup despite finishing outside the automatic qualification spots in their qualifying group, Sweden arrived at the tournament determined to prove they deserved their place among football's elite. The Blue and Yellow secured their World Cup ticket through their Nations League playoff route, but many still questioned whether Graham Potter's side belonged on the biggest stage.
Those doubts did little to affect Sweden's confidence.
Potter's men immediately put Tunisia under pressure from kickoff and showcased the quality that has made them one of the tournament's dark horses.
Yasin Ayari opened the scoring with a stunning strike after just seven minutes of play. Alexander Isak doubled Sweden's advantage with a composed finish around the half-hour mark, putting the Scandinavians firmly in control.
Tunisia managed to pull one back before halftime through Omar Rekik's header, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and briefly giving the Eagles of Carthage hope heading into the break.
However, Sweden regained complete control in the second half.
Viktor Gyokeres restored their two-goal cushion by converting Isak's assist, before Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 in the 84th minute. Ayari then completed his brace in stoppage time with another spectacular effort to cap off an impressive evening for the Blue and Yellow.
The convincing victory not only sends Sweden temporarily to the top of Group F but also provides a huge confidence boost ahead of challenging fixtures against the Netherlands and Japan.
Meanwhile, the heavy defeat plunged Tunisia into uncertainty, with the Tunisian Football Federation reportedly dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Herve Renard for the remainder of the tournament.
Match Notes
Sweden
- The Scandinavian outfit continued to show positive progress under Graham Potter, producing another impressive display against Tunisia.
- Despite the commanding victory, Sweden can still improve their game management, as they briefly lost control and allowed Tunisia back into the match after taking a 2-0 lead.
- The growing chemistry between Isak and Gyokeres could become Sweden's most dangerous weapon throughout the tournament.
Tunisia
- The disappointing defeat has already had a major impact on the Eagles of Carthage, leading to a change in management.
- Having a new coach for the remaining group matches could either provide a fresh boost or create further instability, so the players must remain united and focus solely on their performances on the pitch.
Match Statistics
Sweden 5 – 1 Tunisia
Goals: Ayari 7', Isak 30', Gyokeres 63', Svanberg 84', Ayari 90+2' | Rekik 41'
| Stat | Sweden | Tunisia |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Total Shots (On Target) | 18 (9) | 11 (4) |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.96 | 1.02 |
| Dangerous Attacks | 52 | 31 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
*Statistics are based on match reports and may be subject to minor revisions.
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