Sweden Make Dream Start in World Cup 2026 Group F with 5-1 Thrashing of Tunisia

Sweden kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia to move to the top of the group standings. Star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres played pivotal roles in the convincing win, while Yasin Ayari stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace.

The Swedes took the lead early in the match through Ayari. The Brighton midfielder unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left the Tunisian goalkeeper with no chance. However, Ayari kept his celebration muted, having scored against the country of his father's birth—a nation he was also eligible to represent internationally.

Sweden doubled their advantage just before halftime through Alexander Isak. In the 40th minute, Viktor Gyökeres found the Newcastle United striker with a perfectly timed pass. Isak then surged forward from midfield on a dazzling solo run before calmly finishing with his right foot to make it 2-0.

Tunisia managed to pull one back before the break and briefly reignited hopes of a comeback. Omar Rekik rose highest to meet a cross in the 43rd minute, heading home to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Sweden, however, quickly reasserted their dominance after halftime. In the 59th minute, Isak turned provider, setting up Gyökeres, who produced a composed finish to restore Sweden’s two-goal cushion.

Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal in dramatic fashion in the 84th minute. Having entered the field just moments earlier, Svanberg found the net only 18 seconds after coming on. Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision. Replays showed that a slight touch from Isak had played Svanberg back onside, allowing the goal to stand.

Sweden completed the rout deep into stoppage time. In the sixth minute of added time, Ayari scored his second goal of the night with another spectacular effort from distance, beating the Tunisian goalkeeper and putting the finishing touch on a commanding team performance.

The victory sends Sweden to the top of Group F, aided by the fact that Japan and the Netherlands played out a draw in the group's other fixture.

Alexander Isak finished the match with one goal and two assists, underlining his influence throughout the contest. Viktor Gyökeres also impressed with a goal and an assist as Sweden's attacking duo proved too much for Tunisia to handle.

With a statement win in their opening match, Sweden have firmly established themselves as early contenders to progress from Group F.

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