Japan made history by scoring four goals for the first time in a FIFA World Cup match, defeating Tunisia 4-0 in a Group F clash at Monterrey Stadium. This victory places Japan on the brink of advancing to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
In 151 previous FIFA World Cup matches involving AFC teams, no nation had ever achieved a four-goal tally in a single game until Japan accomplished this feat. Additionally, Japan’s triumph marks the largest winning margin by any country in World Cup history.
Ayase Ueda played a pivotal role in Japan’s success, showcasing remarkable aerial skills to score a header over Tunisia’s defense. Ueda’s performance also earned him the distinction of being the first Japanese player to score two goals in a single FIFA World Cup match.
In the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match, Keito Nakamura set up Daichi Kamada for a goal, with Kamada slotting the ball home amidst Tunisia’s defensive efforts. Kamada’s fourth-minute strike stands as the fastest goal ever scored by a Japanese player in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record set by Shinji Kagawa in 2018.
Ueda extended Japan’s lead in the 30th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, showcasing his attacking prowess. Despite Tunisia’s efforts, they were unable to mount a comeback, allowing Japan to further solidify their lead as Ueda assisted Junya Ito in scoring a third goal in the second half. Ueda himself sealed the victory with a late goal, securing a comfortable win for Japan.
Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, emphasized their team’s aggressive approach and solid preparation, leading to the successful outcome against Tunisia. With this win, Japan now shares the top spot in Group F with the Netherlands, while Tunisia faces elimination from the tournament.
