Sweden made a strong start to their 2026 World Cup Group F campaign with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Ayari scored twice, Isak contributed a goal and an assist, while Gyökeres also found the net as Sweden moved to the top of Group F on goal difference.
🔥 Quick Read
- Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1
- Ayari scored twice
- Isak had a goal and an assist
- Tunisia gifted Sweden a goal after a second-half mistake
- Sweden moved top of Group F
Ayari Scores Early But Refuses To Celebrate Against His Father’s Homeland
Sweden took the lead after just seven minutes. Lindelöf launched the attack with a long pass from the back, and Tunisia’s goalkeeper made a poor decision when coming off his line. Gyökeres had his follow-up attempt blocked, but Ayari reacted quickly and fired a powerful volley into the net to make it 1-0.
Notably, Ayari chose not to celebrate after scoring against Tunisia, as his father is from the country. The early goal gave Sweden the perfect start and helped them take control of the match.
Isak Doubles The Lead Before Tunisia Pull One Back
In the 30th minute, Sweden produced another sharp attacking move. Gyökeres delivered a key pass from midfield, allowing Isak to burst into the penalty area and finish with a calm low shot to make it 2-0.
Tunisia, however, did not collapse completely. In the 43rd minute, Hannibal delivered a corner, and Rekik glanced a header into the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1 before half-time, keeping the match alive.
Defensive Error Becomes Turning Point As Gyökeres Scores
Tunisia hoped to push for an equaliser after the break, but a defensive mistake in the 60th minute changed the match. Skhiri lost possession while carrying the ball out from the back, and Isak quickly won it before setting up Gyökeres for an easy finish.
The goal restored Sweden’s two-goal advantage and damaged Tunisia’s momentum. From that point, Sweden looked more efficient in transition, while Tunisia struggled under defensive pressure.
VAR Confirms Sweden’s Fourth Before Ayari Seals The Win
In the 84th minute, Sweden threatened again from a set piece. Svanberg’s goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after a VAR review, Isak was judged to have made a slight touch with his toe in the build-up, meaning the goal stood. Sweden extended their lead to 4-1.
In the 96th minute, Ayari took centre stage once again. He unleashed a stunning long-range strike from outside the box to complete his brace and seal a 5-1 victory for Sweden. The win not only gave Sweden a perfect start but also highlighted their attacking efficiency.
Sweden Go Top Of Group F As Tunisia Drop To Bottom
The 5-1 victory sent Sweden to the top of Group F. In the other match in the group, the Netherlands and Japan had earlier drawn 2-2, with both teams taking one point. Sweden’s heavy win therefore gave them a clear goal-difference advantage in the early group standings.
For Tunisia, the heavy opening defeat leaves them bottom of the group. They will need to improve defensively and reduce mistakes quickly, or their qualification hopes could become increasingly difficult.
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