Tunisia vs Japan: A Settled Japan Face a Team in Crisis

Predictions

Japan are the clear favorites here, and most experts expect them to win this game.

Tunisia are in trouble after a heavy loss, so Japan should have the calmer heads.

• Our prediction: Japan win 2-0, calm and in control from start to finish.
• Yahoo Sports: a Japan win, the settled side against a struggling Tunisia.
• compare.bet: a Japan win, with Japan controlling the ball and the game.
• Racing Post: a Japan win, with Tunisia chasing the game after a tough start.

Why this game matters so much

Here is why these two teams come in feeling so different.

This is Tunisia against Japan, and one side is flying while the other is hurting.

Japan made a great start and came back twice to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands.

Tunisia had a nightmare and lost 5-1 to Sweden.

After that defeat Tunisia even made a coaching change, so they arrive in real disarray.

That is why Japan can take a big step toward the next round, while this is close to a must-win for Tunisia.

Why Japan are the favorites

Japan are 18th in the FIFA rankings, while Tunisia are down in 45th.

That gap in ranking and quality puts Japan well ahead on paper.

Japan also looked strong in their opener, coming back twice to earn a draw against a very good Netherlands team.

On the touchline they have coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has them playing as a settled, organized team.

The bookmakers agree, because they give Japan about a 65% chance to win this game.

A Tunisia win is a long shot, priced at around 6 to 1.

So we expect Japan to take this, and the experts lean the same way.

Why Tunisia can still cause trouble

Tunisia are 45th in the FIFA rankings, so they are the underdog here.

Their opener could hardly have gone worse, with that heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden.

The defeat was so bad that they made a coaching change before this game.

A new voice in charge can sometimes spark a team and give the players a fresh start.

Tunisia still have good players who can hurt any team if they get going.

If they defend better and stay tight, they have a chance to make this awkward for Japan.

So while a win would be a big shock, Tunisia will fight hard and keep their heads high.

Our call: Japan 2-0

We are calling it Japan 2-0.

Japan look calm and settled, and they should be in control for most of the game.

Tunisia let in 5 goals in their opener, so Japan will see plenty of chances to score.

Now here is the honest part.

A coaching change can lift a team, and a fired-up Tunisia might keep the score close for a while.

But we still see a strong team from Japan that should win this one without too much stress.

What is at stake?

Right now Sweden lead Group F with 3 points after their opening win.

The Netherlands and Japan sit on 1 point each, with Tunisia bottom on 0.

The top 2 teams in the group go through to the next round.

Some of the best 3rd-place teams also make it through.

A win here would put Japan in a strong spot to reach the next round.

For Tunisia, another loss would leave them almost out, with very little time to recover.

That is what gives this game its edge, a serious contender for the next round against a side fighting to stay in it.

What does the history say?

Japan have the better record when these two have met before.

They even beat Tunisia 2-0 at the 2002 World Cup.

So history and current form both point Japan's way going into this game.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Friday June 20, 2026, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Kickoff is 20:00 (8:00 PM) Central time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Need a seat for it? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.