Japan secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia in a Group F World Cup match on June 21, 2026.
Forward Ayase Ueda starred with two goals and an assist.
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Manager Hajime Moriyasu made several changes to the starting lineup after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
Ajax defenders Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu started, while Tsuyoshi Watanabe moved to the bench.
Early Breakthrough
Japan opened the scoring within four minutes. Keito Nakamura delivered a low cross from the left, and Daichi Kamada slotted home.
Tunisia struggled to create chances despite a recent managerial change. Sabri Lamouchi replaced Hervé Renard before the match.
Japan nearly doubled the lead when Tomiyasu's close-range shot was cleared off the line by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
The second goal came after 30 minutes.
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Itakura intercepted a pass in his own half and fed Ueda, who drove into the box and fired past the keeper.
It was Ueda's first World Cup goal.
Tunisia improved in the second half but failed to register a shot on target.
Japan extended the lead when Ueda set up Junya Ito, who scored from close range.
Ueda completed his brace seven minutes from time, heading in a cross from Kaishu Sano.
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The result puts Japan level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F with four points. Japan holds a superior goal difference after the win.
