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Arun - June 20, 2026
Group F’s second matchday concludes at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on Saturday night as Tunisia and Japan meet in a fixture that also carries a piece of history, as this will be the 1,000th match ever played at a FIFA World Cup. Our Tunisia vs Japan prediction covers the full match.
The context is stark. Tunisia sit bottom of the group after a chastening 5-1 defeat to Sweden and must win to keep any hope of progression alive. Japan are a point better off after a creditable 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and can take a giant step toward the knockout rounds with a positive result here.
The most significant development in the Tunisia camp is off the pitch. Sabri Lamouchi was sacked in the immediate aftermath of the 5-1 defeat to Sweden, having overseen just five games since his appointment in January.
The Tunisian federation moved quickly, appointing the experienced Herve Renard on Tuesday. Renard brings a formidable track record in African football and is renowned for the stunning upset he orchestrated when his Saudi Arabia side defeated Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. He has just days to prepare Tunisia for this fixture.
There are no injury concerns in the squad. Renard is expected to change the tactical system from the 3-5-2 that Lamouchi deployed against Sweden to a four-at-the-back shape. Aymen Dahmen continues in goal. The expected back four has Yan Valery at right-back, Omar Rekik and Montassar Talbi as the central defensive pairing, and Ali Abdi at left-back. Captain Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira provide the defensive midfield base.
Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley is expected to be given freedom to operate as the creative force in the number ten role, where his energy and technical quality give Tunisia their best chance of unlocking a well-organised Japan defence.
Elias Achouri and Elias Saad are the likely wide options, with Firas Chaouat leading the line. Chaouat is the most prolific goalscorer in the Tunisia squad with six international goals and will need to deliver when chances arise.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Aymen Dahmen
Defenders: Yan Valery, Omar Rekik, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi
Midfield: Ellyes Skhiri, Rani Khedira
Attacking mid: Elias Achouri, Hannibal Mejbri, Elias Saad
Forward: Firas Chaouat
Hajime Moriyasu has one injury concern in an otherwise fully fit squad. Takefusa Kubo sustained a knee problem and appears on the World Cup injury table, leaving him doubtful for this fixture. The Real Sociedad winger has been one of Japan’s most important attacking threats, and his absence is a significant loss. Junya Ito is expected to come in and replace him in the starting eleven, slotting into the attacking midfield role.
Moriyasu is expected to name an otherwise unchanged side from the Netherlands draw. Zion Suzuki continues in goal. The back three of Hiroki Ito, Shogo Taniguchi and Tsuyoshi Watanabe is retained. Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura operate as the wing-backs, providing width and an attacking outlet from deep positions. Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano anchor the midfield.
Junya Ito and Daizen Maeda occupy the two attacking midfield positions behind the lone striker Ayase Ueda. Japan’s 3-4-2-1 is a fluid, technically demanding system that relies on quick combinations and intelligent movement in the final third. Against Tunisia’s defence, which shipped five against Sweden and Japan will back their quality to create enough chances.
The Netherlands fixture showed Japan’s resilience and ability to find goals under pressure, and Moriyasu’s side arrive here with real confidence. For all our World Cup 2026 tips and predictions throughout the tournament, head to the hub.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
GK: Zion Suzuki
Defenders: Hiroki Ito, Shogo Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Wing-backs: Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura
Midfield: Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano
Attacking mid: Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda
Forward: Ayase Ueda
