FIFA 2026 World Cup: Isak and Gyokeres run riot against Tunisia

Sweden launched their FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their Group F opener, as star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both found the back of the net.

Graham Potter’s side took control early in Guadalupe and rarely looked back, producing an impressive attacking display to secure three valuable points and make an early statement in the tournament.

The Swedes opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari, whose thunderous strike from outside the penalty area punished a defensive mix-up in the Tunisian backline.

Despite the quality of the goal, Ayari’s celebrations were subdued, with the midfielder having Moroccan and Tunisian heritage.

Sweden doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark after a swift counterattack released Alexander Isak down the left flank. The Liverpool forward drove towards goal, cut inside and unleashed a powerful effort that goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh could only help into the net despite getting a hand to the ball.

Tunisia entered the tournament with one of the most impressive defensive records in qualifying, having failed to concede a single goal. They became the first nation to achieve the feat during qualification for the 2026 World Cup, a record later matched by Ivory Coast and England.

However, Sweden’s relentless attacking pressure threatened to overwhelm them before the match took an unexpected turn just before half-time. Omar Rekik rose highest to head home a teasing cross from Hannibal Mejbri, reducing the deficit and giving Tunisia hope heading into the break.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished after the restart.

Ellyes Skhiri was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area by Isak, who immediately fed Viktor Gyokeres. The Arsenal striker made no mistake, firing past Chamakh to restore Sweden’s two-goal cushion.

The Scandinavians completed the rout with a fifth goal as Tunisia’s resistance faded, capping a highly encouraging opening performance under Potter.

Sweden, quarter-finalists at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 but now appear determined to make up for lost time on football’s biggest stage.

For Tunisia, the defeat was a disappointing start. The North Africans famously became the first African nation to win a World Cup match when they defeated Mexico in 1978, but they are still searching for a first appearance in the knockout rounds.

After the match, Sweden manager Graham Potter praised his players while insisting there is still room for improvement.

“Five goals and solid; we could’ve scored more. All credit to the players; they were fantastic,” Potter told ITV.

“The boys remained calm and maintained a goal threat. We take the victory.

“There is room to improve, but we will enjoy tonight and recover to get ready again.”