Japan Run Riot in Guadalupe
Japan produced a devastating display of attacking football to thrash Tunisia 4-0 in Guadalupe, ending the African nation's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign before it could truly begin. The result, played out in front of a stunned crowd, was as emphatic as it was efficient, with Hajime Moriyasu's side moving level on points and goal difference with the Netherlands at the top of Group F.
Five days into a desperate rescue mission, Herve Renard found no reprieve. Parachuted in after Sabri Lamouchi was sacked following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, the experienced Frenchman saw his new team torn apart with even greater brutality. Having famously masterminded Saudi Arabia's shock win over Argentina in 2022, Renard was powerless to reproduce that magic against a Japan side ranked 37 places higher and operating on a completely different level.
Tunisia's tournament has been a disaster. The same defensive fragilities that saw them collapse against Sweden were ruthlessly exposed, and their attack barely threatened. Japan, by contrast, were a finely tuned machine—organised, clinical, and brimming with confidence.
Ueda the Architect of Destruction
Ayase Ueda was the star of the show, scoring one and setting up two in a man-of-the-match performance. The opener arrived via a sweeping team move that typified Japan's approach. Keito Nakamura picked out Daichi Kamada to finish coolly, but it was Ueda's thunderous second that truly took the breath away—an arrowed strike from the edge of the box that left goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen with no chance.
After the break, Ueda turned provider, slipping a clever pass through for Junya Ito to race clear and beat Dahmen in a one-on-one. Every goal carried a team stamp, and the fourth was no different: Kaishu Sano finished off a slick combination with Ueda to put the gloss on a scoreline that could have been even more one-sided.
“Their intensity smothered Tunisia, much more organised and clinical, with their confidence best displayed by four classy goals,” the Sky Sports match report noted. It was a performance that will surely make the rest of the competition sit up and take notice.
Group F Blown Wide Open
Japan’s victory leaves them locked with the Netherlands on four points and an identical goal difference after two matches, setting up a thrilling final round of group games. The Dutch earlier hammered Sweden 5-1, but Japan’s display was arguably more impressive given the manner in which they dismantled a side containing plenty of experience.
For Tunisia, elimination is now confirmed. Renard’s third World Cup as a coach—after leading Morocco and Saudi Arabia—will end at the first hurdle. The quick turnaround between coaches gave him little time to imprint his methods, but the lack of fight was alarming. Questions will be asked about the country’s direction, but for Japan, the only way is forward.
Dark Horses No More?
Moriyasu’s side may lack the household names of traditional powerhouses, but few can match their intensity and cohesion. This was a statement victory that underlined their credentials as genuine dark horses to go deep in the tournament. “Perhaps Hajime Moriyasu’s well-drilled side lack the kind of world-class talent other nations boast, but few will match their intensity,” the Guardian’s World Cup Daily podcast observed after day three of the 2026 finals.
With Ueda in this form, and the team’s collective understanding sharpening with each game, Japan will fear no one. The road ahead is long, but on this evidence, they possess the tools to upset anyone in their path.
Quick Facts
Match: Tunisia 0-4 Japan
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe
Group: F
Goalscorers: Kamada (12'), Ueda (29'), Ito (58'), Sano (79')
Japan's record vs Tunisia: 5 wins in 5 meetings
Tunisia's World Cup 2026: Eliminated after two games
Key Takeaways
- Ayase Ueda delivered a masterclass with a goal and two assists, underlining his status as one to watch.
- Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden, but under Herve Renard they were even worse, conceding four.
- Japan moved level with the Netherlands on points and goal difference in Group F, setting up a tense final round.
- The Samurai Blue showed they have the tactical discipline and attacking flair to trouble any opponent at this World Cup.
- Tunisia became the first African team eliminated from the 2026 tournament, extending a miserable run in global finals.