Why didn’t Sweden’s Yasin Ayari celebrate after scoring against Tunisia?
Sweden got off to a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup Group F match against Tunisia on June 15 at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. Midfielder Yasin Ayari produced a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the seventh minute.
FIFA World Cup Sweden vs Tunisia: Update
The 22-year-old scored the second-fastest goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area. The chance came from a long ball forward from Victor Lindelof, which Tunisian goalkeeper Chamakh raced off his line to intercept. However, the goalkeeper was only able to deflect the ball into the path of Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokerese’s effort was blocked by Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi, but the loose ball fell kindly to Ayari just outside the box. The midfielder took a touch before unleashing a blistering drive that rocketed into the top corner, giving Chamakh no chance and giving Sweden an early advantage.
Despite scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far, Ayari decided against celebrating. Instead, he raised his hands in the air and remained composed as teammates rushed to congratulate him.
WHY DID AYARI NOT CELEBRATE AGAINST TUNISIA?
Ayari’s restrained response immediately attracted attention, especially given his family ties to Tunisia.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder was born in Solna, Sweden and is of Moroccan and Tunisian descent. His father is Tunisian, meaning Ayari was eligible to represent the North African nation before committing his international future to Sweden.
The midfielder progressed through the Swedish youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2023. Although he eventually decided to represent Sweden, his connection with Tunisia remains an important part of his background. Ayari does not celebrate after the goal against Tunisia (Photo Reuters)
His reaction was reminiscent of players who refuse to celebrate after scoring against former clubs, choosing instead to show respect for a team or community that has personal significance.
SWEDEN LEADS IN MONTERREY
Sweden continued to threaten after taking the lead and eventually doubled their lead through Alexander Isak.
The move began deep in Sweden’s own half when Benjamin Nygren won possession near his penalty area and began a long clearance upfield. Gyokeres controlled the ball expertly on his chest before cleverly volleying it into Isak’s path for a corner.
The forward broke down the left wing, cut inside as he approached Tunisia’s penalty area and fired a low shot past Chamakh to make it 2-0.
However, Tunisia refused to fold and found their way back into the match before half-time. After a long throw-in, the ball was recycled wide before Hannibal Mejbri delivered an enticing cross into the six-yard box. Defender Rekik settled it with a glancing header that beat Robin Olsen’s substitute Kristoffer Nordfeldt to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal breathed new life into the Group F encounter and secured Tunisia a solid place in the match heading into the second half.
While Sweden dominated at the break, the opening 45 minutes belonged to Ayari, whose stunning strike and emotional reaction provided one of the most memorable moments of the World Cup so far.
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Published on:
15 Jun 2026 09:04 IST