FIFA World Cup 2026: Goal fest in Monterrey as Sweden beat Tunisia by five goals

It was a goal-fest at the Stadio Monterrey as Sweden put in a commanding performance to see off Tunisia in their FIFA World Cup Group F clash on Monday 15 June, led by a sensational performance from midfielder Yasin Ayari.

FIFA World Cup Sweden vs Tunisia: Highlights

Ayari opened the scoring for Sweden in the seventh minute with a breathtaking long-range strike, scoring one of the fastest goals of the tournament. The move came from Tunisian goalkeeper Chamakh, who burst off his line to deal with a long ball from Victor Lindelof, only to push it into the path of Viktor Gykeres. Although Gykeres’ initial effort was blocked by Montassar Talbi, the rebound fell kindly to Ayari, who took a touch before smashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Despite the quality finish, Ayari chose not to celebrate, instead raising his hands in a restrained gesture –an emotional response influenced by his family ties to Tunisia.

Born in Solna of Tunisian and Moroccan heritage and eligible to represent Tunisia through his father, the Brighton midfielder’s subdued reaction reflected the personal significance of scoring against the country of his forefathers.

However, Sweden quickly doubled their lead through Alexander Isak after a fluid attacking move. After Benjamin Nygren regained possession in his own penalty area and made a long clearance forward, Gyokeres brought the ball under control with a level touch before cleverly placing it into the path of Isak.

The forward raced down the left wing, cut inside on the edge of the box and fired a low effort past Chamakh to make it 2-0 to Sweden.

Tunisia looked to fight their way back into the game as they responded before the break to halve the deficit.

After Valery’s long throw into the box was first cleared by Lagerbielke, Mejbri quickly recovered the ball and sent a dangerous cross into the box. With Sweden’s defense still deployed forward, Rekik rose to head Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s header to make it 2-1.

Mejbri’s influence stood out during the first half, with the midfielder consistently pulling the strings and providing Tunisia’s key creative spark. Rekik celebrates after Tunisia’s goal against Sweden (Photo Reuters)

SWEDEN PUT THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN

Sweden, who looked the more dominant side in the second half, made it three to one in the 59th minute through Viktor Gyokeres.

A costly error from Tunisia proved decisive when Chamakh played a short pass to Skhiri on the edge of his own area, but Isak pushed aggressively to dispossess him.

Skhiri’s attempted recovery only opened up space and allowed Isak to stay composed and square the ball to Gyokeres, who smashed home a powerful finish to make it 3-1.

But the highlight of the game was when Mattias Svanberg scored the second fastest goal scored by a substitute in FIFA World Cup history. The goal, which was initially ruled out for offside, had a tackle and on review the goal was awarded when it was confirmed that Isak had made a fine tackle in the play-off via cricket-like technology “Snicko” on Svanberg’s play.

The new VAR technology uses sensors and sound tracking around the ball. Upon review, the officials noted a touch before the rebound, and therefore the goal was awarded. pic.twitter.com/KD4Ain6EzQ— (@Darts2Leek) June 15, 2026

The Swedish bench played a key role in holding on to control and the decision further underlined their dominance.

Sweden then capped their performance in style with a fifth goal as Ayari completed his brace. Tunisia were caught high up the pitch by Bergvall, who quickly fed the Brighton midfielder. Given time and space to build, Ayari unleashed a powerful drive into the far corner to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

Sweden will top Group F ahead of their match against the Netherlands on June 20, while Tunisia will be keen to bounce back after a horror night in Monterrey against Japan.

– The end

Published on:

June 15, 2026 10:11 AM IST