Sweden v Tunisia
Play By Play
Though not the biggest margin of victory so far at this year’s World Cup, Sweden put their quality on full display despite leaving it late to qualify, with a thumping 5-1 win over Tunisia at Estadio Monterrey in Nuevo Leon. Yasin Ayari’s fantastic hit from distance just seven minutes into the game got Potter’s side off on the right foot, and they didn’t look back from there. Isak capped a flowing counter-attack with an accurate finish on the half-hour mark to make it two, and not even Rekik’s header 120 seconds before the interval could halt their momentum. Isak linked up with Gyokeres again a quarter-hour after the restart to make it three, and an inspired substitution from Potter paid dividends instantly, as Svanberg was sent on and scored the second-fastest goal by a sub on record in the World Cup, just 18 seconds after entering the pitch. In a bit of symmetry, Yasin Ayari would also close proceedings by adding a fifth in the sixth minute of additional time, hitting the back of the net again from range after a turnover in possession to give the UEFA side a five-goal haul on an xG of just 1.36 (0.28 for Tunisia). Sweden are back in action on June 20 in Houston against the Netherlands, while Tunisia’s hunt for three points will resume on Sunday against Japan at the same venue as tonight. That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup Group F match between Sweden and Tunisia - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!
FULL-TIME: SWEDEN 5-1 TUNISIA
Another substitute from Potter contributes to a goal, with Bergvall winning it back before playing Yasin Ayari into space 31 minutes after coming on.
ANOTHER BRILLIANT STRIKE FROM YASIN AYARI! 5-1 SWEDEN! Gharbi is caught in possession high up the pitch by Bergvall, who pokes the ball into the feet of Ayari, and as he’s already shown tonight, all the Brighton midfielder needs is an inch of space. After taking a first touch to settle himself, the Sweden number 18 whips a venomous shot into the far corner, leaving Chamakh with no chance to stop his brace!
The fourth official indicates six minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.
Svanberg's goal is the second-fastest scored by a substitute in the World Cup, coming just 18 seconds after his introduction. With his first touch, he's put his name down in history, while providing Sweden with a late bit of added cushion.
A straight swap at wing-back for Potter’s side sees Svensson take over from Bernhardsson.
Sweden make a change in attack in the first minute of additional time, giving Isak a much-deserved bit of rest for Elanga.
Chamakh dives bravely off his line to get a palm to Yasin Ayari’s inswinging corner-kick, making great contact to push the ball out of play on the far side for a Sweden throw.
Tunisia have failed to win in each of their last two matches against European opposition, with their last win against a UEFA nation coming in the 2022 World Cup group stage (1-0 against France).
This is Sweden’s 13th World Cup and their first since 2018, when they were eliminated by England in the quarter-finals (0-2). They have progressed to the second round in each of their last four appearances, and last reached the semi-finals when it was held in the United States in 1994.
It’s been an impressive performance tonight from Isak, who adds his second assist to go along with his finish on the half-hour mark.
DECISION OVERTURNED! 4-1 SWEDEN! After taking a moment to speak to the video assistants, Yael Falcon Perez blows his whistle and points to the centre-circle, confirming Sweden’s goal with six minutes to go before added time. It appeared as though Svanberg was in an offside position when receiving the ball from Bernhardsson, but a telling touch from Isak resets the play and gives the substitute a chance to get back onside!
AN IMMEDIATE GOAL BUT IT WON’T COUNT! Only on the pitch a matter of seconds, Svanberg looks to make an immediate impact with his first touch, volleying the ball past Chamakh from close range after it was put into his path by Isak’s backheel flick, but an offside in the build up keeps the scores as they were - though VAR may be required to intervene!
Karlstrom is withdrawn with a half-dozen minutes to go, and Svanberg is sent on in his stead.
Tunisia continue to roll the dice in search of a way back into the contest, with Chaouat the latest player sent on, ending Ben Slimane’s contest.
On a booking, Khedira is protected with seven minutes to go, which gives Gharbi a chance to stretch his legs.
Clean sheets have been hard to come by for Sweden, who have failed to prevent their opponents from scoring in each of their last 10 competitive fixtures including tonight, since a 6-0 hammering of Azerbaijan in the UEFA Nations League in November, 2024.
Just under 30 yards from goal inside the left channel, Mejbri puts the ball onto his right foot and feathers a cross into the penalty area, but without a team-mate making the required run, the service falls into the grips of Nordfeldt.
Achouri just about keeps the ball in play ahead of the byline, keeping possession on his right boot with Karlstrom marking eagerly, but his eventual back-post cross is glanced away by Lagerbielke before an offside in the build up gives Sweden a free-kick.
Yasin Ayari takes all the time he can before delivering an inswinging corner-kick towards the edge of the six-yard box, where it’s beaten away by the head of Talbi.
Sweden and Tunisia have combined for four goals tonight on just five total shots on target (Sweden with four), and an xG of 1.12. Chamakh has yet to make a save with just over a quarter-hour remaining, as the only effort not to hit the back of the net was cleared off the line by Talbi.
Valery is the third player withdrawn by Lamouchi, who sends Mahmoud on instead.
Saad has been Tunisia’s most threatening player today going forward - outside of Rekik’s goal - but his match ends at this juncture, with Tounekti ready to impress.
Tunisia replace their captain just after the break, as Skhiri gives up his place to Achouri.
