A string of mistakes
LIVE: The goal counts! Sweden is celebrating again
A dream start for Sweden in the 2026 World Cup: The Scandinavians won their first match in Group E decisively, 5-1, against Tunisia. In Sunday’s match in Monterrey, Mexico, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and the rest of the team capitalized on several major mistakes by the Africans.
Yasin Ayari (7th, 96th), Alexander Isak (30th), Viktor Gyökeres (59th), and Matthias Svanberg (84th) scored for the efficient Scandinavians, who ruthlessly capitalized on the Africans’ mistakes. Omar Rekik scored Tunisia’s lone goal, making it 1-2 (43rd).
The Swedes got off to a perfect start. A shot by Arsenal striker Gyökeres was cleared off the line by defender Montassar Talbi, but Brentford midfielder Ayari’s second attempt from about 20 meters found the back of the net. The Scandinavians had everything under control but pulled back after the water break—and struck on the counterattack. Gyökeres set up Isak, and goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh looked helpless as the Liverpool striker fired from the edge of the box.
Strong Swedish defense
The Europeans’ passivity would come back to haunt them before halftime, however. Following a cross from Hannibal Mejbri, Omar Rekik headed in the goal to cut the deficit. In the second half as well, the Swedes let the Tunisians dictate the play, but remained solid defensively and launched quick counterattacks time and again. They scored their third goal thanks to a “gift” from the North Africans. Ellyes Skhiri lost the ball to Isak, and Gyökeres finished confidently. Svanberg, who had just come on as a substitute, made it 4-1 with his first touch of the ball, and Ayari put the finishing touches on the match with his brace.
Sweden had failed to win a single match in qualifying and had only advanced to the playoffs via the Nations League, where they prevailed under new coach Graham Potter. The upturn under the British coach continued in the final round, and with this victory, the Scandinavians now have a good chance of advancing to the Round of 16.
Final score:
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
Monterrey, 50,987, Ref. Falcon Perez (ARG)
Goals: 1-0 (7') Ayari, 2-0 (30') Isak, 2-1 (43') Rekik, 3-1 (59') Gyökeres, 4-1 (84') Svanberg, 5-1 (96') Ayari
Yellow cards: Khedira and none
Sweden: Nordfeldt – Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf – Bernhardsson (90. Svensson), Karlström (84. Svanberg), Ayari, Gudmundsson (64. Stroud) – Nygren (64. Bergvall) – Isak (90. Elanga), Gyökeres
Tunisia: Chamakh – Valery (72. Hadj Mahmoud), Rekik, Talbi, Hamida – Khedira (84. Gharbi), Skhiri (72. Achouri), Mejbri, Abdi – Saad (72. Tounekti), Slimane (84. Chaouat)
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