Japan produced a commanding performance in Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday, defeating Tunisia 4-0 in Group F of the 2026 World Cup to move level on points with the Netherlands and edge closer to the knockout rounds. The match, played at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, carried a historic footnote: it was the 1,000th game in World Cup history, marked by a special emblem on the match officials' kits.

Daichi Kamada, who won the UEFA Conference League this season with Crystal Palace, opened the scoring within four minutes, turning a low cross past the keeper in a finish that owed something to fortune. Ayase Ueda, the Feyenoord striker who is the Eredivisie's top scorer, then doubled the lead with a precise strike into the far corner from the edge of the area. After Japan eased off the accelerator without ever relinquishing control, Junya Ito made it 3-0 midway through the second half following a delicate assist from Ueda. The fourth came late, when Ueda leapt powerfully to head home a cross from substitute Ito — securing his brace and Japan's biggest-ever victory at a World Cup.

For Tunisia, the result spells elimination after two straight defeats. Their tournament had already taken a dramatic turn before kick-off: coach Sabri Lamouchi was sacked following a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden, and French veteran Hervé Renard — who has managed at World Cups with Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the French women's national team — was rushed in as his replacement. Even Renard's characteristic white shirt and animated touchline instructions could do little to stem the Japanese tide. Tunisian star Hannibal Mejbri was visibly frustrated throughout. The North African side, who had no points and sat bottom of the group going into the match, will face the Netherlands in their final group game with only pride to play for.

Japan, who earlier drew with the Netherlands, now sit on four points in Group F alongside the Dutch, with the Netherlands leading on goal difference. The Japanese squad featured several Eredivisie-based players, including Ajax defenders Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu alongside Ueda, underlining the strong European club football base the team has built. With a place in the last 16 now within reach, Japan's final group fixture takes on added significance as they bid to top the group.