Sweden opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia on Sunday evening at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
Following the 2-2 draw between Netherlands and Japan earlier in the day, Sweden’s emphatic win leaves them as the sole leaders of Group F.
Midfielder Yasin Ayari gave Sweden the lead in the seventh minute before Alexander Isak, the Liverpool striker, doubled the advantage in the 30th minute.
Tunisia briefly reignited hopes of a comeback when Omar Rekik pulled a goal back before halftime. However, Sweden regained full control after the break, with Viktor Gyökeres extending the lead in the 59th minute.
The Scandinavians added further gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages. Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 in the 84th minute before Ayari completed his brace deep into stoppage time to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
The result puts Sweden at the top of Group F ahead of their second-round clash with the Netherlands. Tunisia, meanwhile, will face Japan in their next fixture.
Elsewhere in Group E, Germany, seeking redemption after two consecutive group-stage exits at previous World Cups, routed Curaçao 7-1.
Earlier, Côte d’Ivoire defeated Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Amad Diallo.
The tournament continues on Monday with matches featuring Spain against Cape Verde, Belgium versus Egypt, and Saudi Arabia taking on Uruguay.
AK/Sf/lb/jn/APA