Tunisia will be fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive when they face Japan in a crucial Group F clash at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 21.
Following a heavy opening defeat, the Eagles of Carthage find themselves under immense pressure, while Japan enter the match full of confidence after securing a valuable point against the Netherlands.
Tunisia endured a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign, suffering a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. The result led to immediate changes, with experienced coach Hervé Renard replacing Sabri Lamouchi just days before this vital encounter.
ALSO READ: Sweden hit Tunisia for five to launch World Cup campaign in style
The North Africans have struggled for consistency in recent months, losing heavily to both Belgium and Sweden while failing to score in defeats against Austria and Belgium. Their only victory in their last five matches came in a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Haiti.
Japan, meanwhile, have arrived in Monterrey in far better shape. The Samurai Blue held the Netherlands to an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening World Cup match, with Daichi Kamada and Keito Nakamura finding the back of the net.
Under long-serving coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have developed into one of Asia’s most disciplined and organised sides.
They came into the tournament on the back of victories over England, Scotland and Iceland, highlighting their ability to compete against quality opposition.
With Sweden currently leading Group F, Japan know that victory would place them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages, while Tunisia realistically need all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
What time does Tunisia vs Japan start?
Kick -off is scheduled for 7:00AM (EAT) on Sunday 21st June,2026 at Estadio BBVA(Guadalupe).
Tunisia vs Japan team news
Tunisia’s biggest talking point is the arrival of Renard, who has had very little time to implement his ideas. Experienced midfielder Ellyes Skhiri is expected to anchor the midfield, while Hannibal Mejbri will be tasked with linking play and creating chances.
Elias Achouri and Elias Saad are likely to provide width, with Firas Chaouat expected to lead the attack.
Japan have no major injury concerns heading into the fixture. Captain Wataru Endo will marshal the midfield alongside Ao Tanaka, while creative responsibility will fall on Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo.
Ayase Ueda is expected to continue as the lone striker after Japan’s impressive display against the Netherlands.
Tunisia vs Japan Predicted Lineups
- Tunisia: Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Skhiri, Mejbri, Ben Slimane; Achouri, Chaouat, Saad.
- Japan: Suzuki; Sugawara, Itakura, Ito, Tomiyasu; Endo, Tanaka; Kubo, Kamada, Doan; Ueda.
Tunisia vs Japan Head-to-Head, recent meetings and current form
Japan have dominated this fixture, winning four of five meetings without a single defeat. Their most recent clash in 2022 ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Last five meetings:
- 2022: Japan 0-3 Tunisia
- 2015: Japan 2-0 Tunisia
- 2003: Tunisia 0-1 Japan
- 2002 World Cup: Japan 2-0 Tunisia
- 1996: Japan 1-0 Tunisia
Recent Form
Tunisia (all competitions):
- Sweden 5-1 Tunisia (World Cup)
- Belgium 5-0 Tunisia (Friendly)
- Austria 1-0 Tunisia (Friendly)
- Canada 0-0 Tunisia (Friendly)
- Haiti 0-1 Tunisia (Friendly)
Japan (all competitions):
- Netherlands 2-2 Japan (World Cup)
- Japan 1-0 Iceland (Friendly)
- England 0-1 Japan (Friendly)
- Scotland 0-1 Japan (Friendly)
- Japan 3-0 Bolivia (Kirin Cup)
Tunisia vs Japan prediction
Tunisia are expected to show improvement under their new coach, but Japan’s superior organisation, recent form and attacking quality should give them the edge.
The Samurai Blue look well positioned to claim all three points and move closer to the Round of 16, while Tunisia could be left facing an early World Cup exit.