Japan need a win over Tunisia to reach the round of 32
New: Tunisia fired Sabri Lamouchi after a 1-5 loss to Sweden and is now coached by Herve Renard.
Japan are chasing victory over Tunisia in their second Group F match at the 2026 World Cup at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on Sunday (21/6), with a place in the knockout stage on the line. The Samurai Blue entered after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while Tunisia are under pressure after being routed 1-5 by Sweden in their opener. That defeat led to the dismissal of coach Sabri Lamouchi, who was replaced by Herve Renard. According to FIFA records cited by Antara, the match is also the 1,000th in World Cup history. Japan hold the edge in the head-to-head record with five wins from six meetings against Tunisia, including 2-0 victories at the 2002 World Cup and the 2023 Kirin Challenge Cup.