Japan reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign emphatically after producing a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, securing their first win of the tournament and moving into second place in Group F.
Goals from Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda (2) and Junya Ito earned Hajime Moriyasu’s side a dominant victory, while Japan’s four-goal haul also set a new national record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA World Cup match.
With the victory, Japan now sit level on four points with leaders Netherlands, separated only by goals scored after two group matches, while Tunisia’s hopes of advancing hang by a thread after suffering a second consecutive defeat.
Needing victory after a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening match, Japan wasted little time asserting themselves.
Just four minutes into the contest, a flowing team move carved open the Tunisian defence. After Ao Tanaka switched play to Keito Nakamura, the winger drove into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Daichi Kamada, whose finish found the net to hand Japan an early advantage.
The goal marked Kamada’s second consecutive strike of the tournament and gave the Samurai Blue complete control of the match.
Japan continued to dominate possession and nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute when Takehiro Tomiyasu saw his effort dramatically cleared off the goal line following a corner.
Japan’s relentless attacking pressure was rewarded again in the 31st minute.
Receiving a perfectly weighted forward pass near the halfway line, Ayase Ueda turned confidently before driving towards goal and unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The clinical finish gave the striker his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, sending Japan into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Japan continued where they left off after the restart, consistently threatening Tunisia’s defence.
Their third goal arrived in the 69th minute after another swift attacking move.
A precise through ball from Ao Tanaka released Ueda, who intelligently played a first-time pass into the path of Junya Ito. The winger calmly rounded off the move by finishing beyond the goalkeeper for his first World Cup goal.
The scoring was completed in the 83rd minute when Ito turned provider.
After combining brilliantly down the right flank with Kaishu Sano, Ito delivered an inviting cross that Ueda powered home with a clinical header to complete his brace and cap a superb individual display.
Following the comprehensive victory, head coach Hajime Moriyasu praised both his players’ preparation and the passionate support from Japanese fans inside the stadium.
The emotional manager highlighted his squad’s commitment to executing their game plan while expressing heartfelt gratitude to supporters who created a home-like atmosphere in Mexico and those cheering from Japan.
Ueda, who finished with two goals, admitted the result was crucial after the opening draw.
“We knew we had to win today to make the first point against the Netherlands count. I’m very happy to contribute to the team with two goals,” said the striker.
Japan’s convincing victory significantly boosts their chances of reaching the Round of 32.
With four points from two matches, Moriyasu’s men will face Sweden in their final Group F fixture on 26 June, knowing another positive result could secure progression to the knockout stage.
