Video: Historic defeat… Tunisia start the World Cup with a sensational defeat against Sweden

The Tunisian national team suffered a resounding 5-1 defeat to Sweden at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico early on Monday to open their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group Five, which also includes the Netherlands and Japan.

This defeat is considered historic considering that it is the heaviest in the history of the Carthage Eagles in the World Cup, knowing that they have played in the World Cup 6 times before, in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022.

Sweden started to score early, notably through Yassin Ayari in the 7th minute after a clear defensive blunder following a mistake by goalkeeper Mohib Chamakh. The ball reached Victor Geukeris, who shot, and the Tunisian defense cleared it from the goal line. Ayari received it and hit the net with a powerful ball.

English Brighton player Al-Ayari refused to celebrate his goal Against Tunisia, because of his Tunisian background, he apologized for his hands and then bowed to God in thanks for an early goal to the cheers of his teammates.

Alexander Isak scored Sweden’s second goal in the 30th minute from a quick counter-attack, after Montaser Talbi dribbled and fired a perfect ball past goalkeeper Mohib Chamakh.

The match looked easy against the Swedish stars, with Tunisia’s players dropping significantly and not providing an adequate attacking response.

But before the end of the first half, specifically in the 43rd minute, the Tunisian team reduced the difference with Omar Rakik’s perfect header, taking advantage of Hannibal Mejbri’s special cross.

The goal put Tunisia back in the mood for the match and they went into the second half looking to capitalize on the morale boost amid some timid attempts, but they were unable to pose any threat to Sweden’s goal.

Victor Goukiris ended Tunisia’s hopes completely after scoring the third goal in the 59th minute after a naive mistake by captain Elias Skhiri, who tried to avoid Isak by cutting the ball across the box to the Arsenal striker, who slotted home with ease.

The Tunisians were complacent after the third goal and coach Sabri Lamouchi made a number of changes, bringing on Elias Achouri, Hajj Mahmoud and Sebastien Tonketti before Firas Chouat and Ismail Gharbi, but without anything of substance.

Substitute Matthias Svanberg immediately scored Sweden’s fourth in the 84th minute amid protests from the Tunisian players who claimed offside, but video technology confirmed the goal was valid.

The remaining minutes were spent with Tunisia’s players unable to pose any significant threat and defensive confusion was evident in the final moments, allowing Sweden to mount some dangerous attacks.

Modest play from Tunisia led to Sweden’s fifth goal, Yassin Ayar scored again with a long-range shot in the 90+6th minute, this time celebrating his goal against the Eagles of Carthage.

Sweden top the group with 3 points, while Tunisia is bottom with no points, while Netherlands and Japan are in second and third place with one point after a draw (2-2).

It is noteworthy that the Tunisian team suffered another heavy defeat against Belgium (5-0) in its last friendly match to prepare for the World Cup.