Japan produced a historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thrashing Tunisia 4-0 to become the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match and record the biggest victory by an AFC side in the tournament’s history.
The Group F clash at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico also marked the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, with Japan delivering a statement victory that left Tunisia eliminated from the competition.
Japan made the perfect start when Daichi Kamada scored their fastest ever World Cup goal in the fourth minute. The midfielder finished from close range after connecting with Keito Nakamura’s cross to hand Hajime Moriyasu’s side an early advantage.
The Japanese continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their lead on the half hour mark through Ayase Ueda. The striker capped a strong first half display with a low finish across goal to put Japan firmly in control heading into the interval.
Tunisia, managed by Herve Renard, struggled to respond after the break as Japan maintained their intensity and attacking threat.
Junya Ito effectively ended any hopes of a Tunisian comeback in the 69th minute when he clinically finished to make it 3-0.
Japan then etched their name into the record books in the 83rd minute. Ueda rose highest to score with a looping header, completing his brace and becoming part of a landmark moment as Japan became the first AFC nation to score four goals in a World Cup match.
The emphatic victory secured Japan’s largest winning margin at a World Cup and lifted them onto four points in Group F alongside the Netherlands, who had earlier defeated Sweden 5-1.
For Tunisia, the heavy defeat brought an end to their World Cup campaign, with Renard’s side eliminated after failing to pick up enough points to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stages.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
