Tunisia have become the first African nation to be eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Japan on Sunday, extending their miserable campaign to two consecutive heavy losses and nine goals conceded.
The North Africans, who entered the tournament with hopes of progressing beyond the group stage, have endured a nightmare run in Group F.
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Following a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match, Tunisia were once again outclassed as Japan ran riot at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
Japan needed just four minutes to take the lead when Daichi Kamada finished off a swift counter-attack. Ayase Ueda doubled the advantage in the 31st minute with a clinical strike before Junya Ito added a third after the break. Ueda completed his brace in the 83rd minute to seal a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
The result confirmed Tunisia’s exit from the tournament with one group match still to play, making them the first African side to bow out of the 2026 World Cup.
The defeat came amid significant turmoil within the Tunisian camp. After the 5-1 loss to Sweden, the Tunisian Football Federation parted ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointed Hervé Renard in a bid to rescue their campaign.
However, Renard’s first match in charge ended in disappointment as Tunisia failed to register a single shot on target against an organized Japanese side.
Japan dominated proceedings from start to finish, displaying superior movement, possession, and attacking efficiency.
The Samurai Blue moved to four points in Group F and remain firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have conceded nine goals in just two matches and will conclude their World Cup campaign against group leaders the Netherlands.
Japan will face Sweden in a crucial final group-stage encounter as they seek to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
The latest setback represents one of Tunisia’s heaviest World Cup disappointments, with the Eagles of Carthage now left to play only for pride in their final fixture of the tournament.
