Sweden beat five past Tunisia in World Cup opener

Tunisia struggled in the first half but managed to score before halftime.

Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 in a World Cup Group F match on Sunday, with Yasin Ayari scoring two brilliant goals and Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also getting on the scoresheet.

Sweden, who had a poor qualifying campaign and only narrowly reached the finals, scored five goals in a World Cup match for the first time since 1938, when they beat Cuba 8-0.

Ayari, whose father is Tunisian and mother is Moroccan, gave Sweden the lead in the 7th minute after Tunisia goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh made a mistake while trying to clear the ball under pressure from Isak.

Chosen by the fans: Alexander Isak, your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match.

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/CyLZvQNhVV

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026

The loose ball came to Gyökeres, whose shot was blocked, but Ayari picked it up and struck a powerful shot into the net, celebrating calmly while fans in yellow celebrated loudly.

Tunisia had been set up to defend and counterattack, but after going behind they tried to push forward and look for an equaliser. However, they were caught on the break around the 30th minute.

Sweden won the ball in their own box and quickly counterattacked. Gyökeres controlled the ball and passed it to Isak, who ran down the left side, beat defender Montassar Talbi, and scored after cutting inside.

Isak x Gyokeres#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/peDSuqchn6

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026

Tunisia struggled in the first half but managed to score before halftime. Defender Omar Rekik scored with a header, which was their first shot on target in the match.