Sweden defeat Tunisia 5-1 to take control of their World Cup group

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5‑1 on Sunday, dismantling the North African side’s defensive reputation and taking command of World Cup Group F.

Graham Potter’s squad opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari struck a powerful shot from outside the box after a defensive error by Tunisia.

Ayari, who has Moroccan and Tunisian heritage, celebrated quietly despite the quality of his finish.

Half‑time came only six minutes later when Alexander Isak doubled the lead from the left wing. The Liverpool striker cut inside and fired a shot that goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh could not stop, even after a hand to the ball.

Tunisia had not conceded a goal in qualifying, a record later matched by Ivory Coast and England.

Just before the break, Omar Rekik headed in a cross from Hannibal Mejbri, giving Sweden a 3‑0 advantage.

The Scandics restored a two‑goal cushion in the 59th minute when Isak passed to Viktor Gyökeres, who finished from close range after Ellyes Skhiri was caught on the edge of the box.

Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal late in the game after VAR confirmed he was onside.

Ayari completed the scoreline with another long‑range strike, leaving the match at 5‑1.

Sweden reached the quarter‑finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia but failed to qualify for Qatar in 2022.

Tunisia became the first African team to win a World Cup match when they beat Mexico in 1978, yet they have never advanced beyond the group stage.

Earlier in Group F, Japan drew 2‑2 with the Netherlands after a late goal.

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