Tunisia vs Japan — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Tunisia face Japan in Group F, an intriguing intercontinental tie between a resolute African side and one of Asia's most consistent World Cup performers.
Japan, under Hajime Moriyasu, are technically excellent and quick in transition, with Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma-style wide threats supplemented by the experience of Wataru Endo. Sabri Lamouchi's Tunisia are organised and physical, relying on a sturdy defensive base and the threat of Hannibal Mejbri's drive from midfield.
Japan's pace and movement will test Tunisia's discipline, while the Eagles of Carthage will look to stay compact and hit on the counter.
Key storylines
- 01Japan's technical, fast-transition style under Hajime Moriyasu.
- 02Tunisia's disciplined defensive shape and physicality.
- 03Takefusa Kubo's creativity against a compact Tunisian block.
Prediction
Tunisia 0-1 Japan
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Tunisia
Formation 4-3-3- 1A. Dahmen
- 2M. Talbi
- 3D. Bronn
- 4Y. Valery
- 5A. Abdi
- 6E. Skhiri
- 7H. Mejbri
- 8A. Ben Slimane
- 9E. Achouri
- 10S. Tounekti
- 11F. Chaouat
Japan
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Z. Suzuki
- 2Y. Sugawara
- 3K. Itakura
- 4T. Watanabe
- 5H. Ito
- 6W. Endo
- 7A. Tanaka
- 8R. Doan
- 9D. Kamada
- 10T. Kubo
- 11A. Ueda
Team news
Tunisia
- Hannibal Mejbri provides drive from Tunisia's midfield.
- Tunisia expected to set up in a compact, disciplined shape.
Japan
- Takefusa Kubo a key creative outlet for Japan.
- Wataru Endo anchors the Japanese midfield.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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