A stunning brace from Yasin Ayari, clinical finishing from Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres at his devastating best — Sweden announce themselves as Group F’s team to beat
Sweden opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a stunning 5-1 win over Tunisia as two superb Yasin Ayari long-rangers sandwiched goals from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Mattias Svanberg. It was a performance full of pace, power, and ruthless finishing — exactly what Graham Potter’s side needed after watching Netherlands and Japan cancel each other out earlier in the day. FIFA
Graham Potter’s men now lead Group F after Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 earlier in the day. Sweden did not just win their opener — they sent a loud, clear message to every team remaining in this group. They are dangerous. They are clinical. And they mean business. FIFA
First Half: Sweden Dominate, Tunisia Refuse to Fold
Ayari Opens With a Thunderbolt — 7th Minute
Ayari, who is of Tunisian descent, got the ball rolling with a thundering finish from distance in the seventh minute. It was the kind of goal that changes a match immediately — hit with venom, placed perfectly, and giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance. The stadium in Monterrey was barely settled when the net rippled. wfaa
A stunning way to open a World Cup campaign.
Isak Makes it Two — 30th Minute
Alexander Isak doubled the advantage after being released by Viktor Gyökeres on a swift counterattack in the 29th minute. The partnership between these two strikers was already clicking beautifully. Gyökeres played Isak clean through and the Newcastle man finished with the composure of someone who has been doing this all season long at the highest level. NBC Sports
Tunisia Hit Back Before Half-Time — 43rd Minute
Just when Sweden looked completely in control, Tunisia refused to go quietly. Omar Rekik gave Tunisia hope before the interval, finishing after an assist from Hannibal Mejbri to reduce the deficit to 2-1. It gave the North Africans a lifeline heading into the break, and suddenly the second half had genuine tension. NBC Sports
Second Half: Sweden Shift Gears and Destroy Tunisia
Gyökeres Finally Gets His Goal — 59th Minute
Tunisia were the architects of their own downfall in the 59th minute — a clumsy touch from goalkeeper Chamakh gifted possession back to Sweden high up the pitch, and Gyökeres pounced to restore the two-goal cushion. It was the moment the match was effectively over. Tunisia had fought hard to get back into it, but one defensive error changed everything. wfaa
Svanberg Scores 18 Seconds After Coming On — 84th Minute
Mattias Svanberg’s effort came just 18 seconds after his introduction — he is only the third substitute to score for Sweden in the World Cup and the first since Glenn Stromberg against Scotland in 1990. It was the kind of moment that shows the depth in this Swedish squad. Svanberg walked onto the pitch and immediately made his mark. Potter’s substitutions were perfect. wfaa
Ayari Completes His Brace in Stoppage Time — 90+6th Minute
Bergvall won the ball back before playing Ayari into space, and the Brighton midfielder did the rest — blasting a venomous shot into the far corner to complete his brace and seal a 5-1 win. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night for Sweden. Outlook India
The Ayari Show — Man of the Match
Yasin Ayari was the standout player on the pitch. Two long-range strikes, both hit with outrageous technique and power. Sweden became only the second team to score three goals from outside the box in a single FIFA World Cup match since 1966, joining Germany vs Chile in 1962. That is the kind of company you want to be in. wfaa
For a player of Tunisian descent, scoring twice against Tunisia on the biggest stage in football is a moment he will never forget.
Isak and Gyökeres — The Most Feared Strike Partnership at This World Cup?
Isak finished with a goal and two assists, while Gyökeres contributed a goal and an assist in a devastating display. These two are not just good individually — they make each other better. Their movement, their link-up play, and their ability to punish teams on the counter is going to give every defence in this tournament nightmares. FOX Sports
If Sweden keep this pair fit and firing, they will not be stopping in the group stage.
Key Stats
- Sweden shots: 13 total, 8 on target
- Tunisia shots: 8 total, 2 on target
- Sweden goals from outside the box: 3 — a historic feat at this World Cup beinsports
- Svanberg: Goal within 18 seconds of coming on as substitute
- Ayari: Two long-range strikes — both world-class finishes
- Isak + Gyökeres combined: 2 goals, 3 assists between them
Tunisia — Brave But Outclassed
Tunisia gave everything. Rekik’s header before half-time showed they have quality and fight. Hannibal Mejbri worked hard in midfield and caused Sweden problems at moments. But the gulf in class proved too wide on the night. Tunisia now face Japan next — they will need a very different performance to take anything from that match.