Sweden 5-1 Tunisia: Ayari stars in World Cup win

Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, with Yasin Ayari setting the tone through goals in the 7th and 90’+6th minutes as the Swedes turned a competitive contest into a commanding Group F victory at Estadio BBVA.

It took Sweden only seven minutes to move in front. Ayari arrived in support and finished the opening chance of the evening to give his side a fast start, and that early breakthrough allowed Sweden to settle into the fixture with confidence. Tunisia saw enough of the ball over the course of the match, finishing with a slight edge in possession, but Sweden were far sharper in the decisive areas on the pitch.

Alexander Isak doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, capping a smooth attacking move and underlining Sweden’s efficiency in the final third. At 2-0, Sweden looked in control, but Tunisia gave themselves a route back before the interval when Omar Rekik headed in during the 43rd minute. That goal trimmed the deficit to 2-1 at half-time and briefly shifted the feel of the match.

Tunisia pushed for a leveller after the restart, but Sweden regained full control with their next clear opening. Viktor Gyokeres made it 3-1 in the 59th minute, restoring the two-goal cushion and taking the momentum away from the North Africans. From there, Sweden’s attacking structure looked increasingly fluid, with runners breaking beyond the front line and midfield support arriving at the right moments.

The fourth goal arrived in the 84th minute through Mattias Svanberg, effectively ending any remaining doubt about the result. Sweden were not finished, either. Deep into stoppage time, Ayari struck again in the 90’+6th minute to complete his brace and put a deserved gloss on an impressive attacking display.

Statistically, Sweden made their superiority count where it mattered most. They converted five goals from seven shots on target and produced 13 total attempts, while Tunisia managed just two shots on target from six efforts. Despite Tunisia edging possession 50.9% to 49.1%, Sweden were the more purposeful side, generating 11 shot assists and repeatedly finding space in advanced areas.

Key performers

Ayari was the obvious standout, opening and closing the scoring with goals in the 7th and 90’+6th minutes and giving Sweden real drive from midfield. Isak’s 30th-minute goal provided quality in the attacking third, while Gyokeres added the pivotal third in the 59th minute just as Tunisia were trying to build pressure. Svanberg’s 84th-minute finish was a fitting reward for Sweden’s control in the final stages.

NerdSports Stat: Sweden scored 38.5% of their total shots and 71.4% of their shots on target, a remarkably efficient return for a side that had slightly less possession than Tunisia.

This result gives Sweden a significant boost in Group F, both in points and goal difference, and it could prove important as the table begins to take shape. Tunisia, meanwhile, will need a response in their next fixture after showing flashes before being outplayed in key moments. Sweden head into the next round with momentum and belief after one of the more convincing wins of the group stage so far.

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