Get our Tunisia vs Japan prediction, lineups, and betting tips. We analyze the latest odds and offer top bet builder picks for Sunday's World Cup clash.
Tunisia vs Japan Match Summary
Competition | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Sunday 21 June 2026 |
Match Time | 05:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Monterrey, Estadio Monterrey |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | BBC 1, RTE 2 |
Tunisia and Japan meet in the landmark 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history at the Estadio Monterrey, with both sides needing points in Group F.
Tunisia are in deep trouble after being thumped 5-1 by Sweden in their opener and have since sacked their manager, appointing Herve Renard as replacement.
Japan showed real character to fight back twice and earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, with Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada grabbing the goals.
Japan have won five of their six previous meetings with Tunisia and a victory here would put them on the brink of the knockout stages.
Tunisia vs Japan Form
Tunisia kept ten clean sheets in ten World Cup qualifying matches but their form has fallen off a cliff since. They conceded five against Sweden in their opener, were beaten by Nigeria and drawn by both Mali and Tanzania at AFCON. Elias Achouri scored a brace against Uganda and remains a key attacking outlet under new management.
Japan topped AFC qualifying Group C with seven wins and just three goals conceded across ten matches. They drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opener thanks to Kamada's late equaliser and have won seven of their last ten outings. Koki Ogawa, who scored six qualifying goals, is expected to step up in the absence of Takuya Kubo.
Tunisia vs Japan Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Tunisia: No confirmed injury or suspension news available at this time.
Japan: W. Endo (Injured/out), T. Kubo (Injured/out)
Tunisia
New boss Herve Renard has a huge task on his hands to lift the team in his first game in charge after the Sweden debacle. Tunisia's experienced men will have to step up with their tournament life on the line, notably captain Ellyes Skhiri and Montassar Talbi, the two most capped players in the squad.
Japan
Japan will be without forward Takuya Kubo after he suffered a bad knee injury against the Netherlands. He is likely to be replaced in the team by Koki Ogawa, who scored six qualifying goals and was on target in the friendly against Finland. Wataru Endo has already been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
Tunisia vs Japan Predicted Lineup
Tunisia
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Dahmen; Y. Valery, M. Talbi, D. Bronn, A. Abdi; R. Khedira, E. Skhiri, H. Mejbri; S. Tounekti, E. Saad, E. Achouri
Japan
Formation: 3-4-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Z. Suzuki; S. Taniguchi, T. Watanabe, H. Ito; R. Doan, K. Sano, A. Tanaka, K. Nakamura; K. Ogawa, A. Ueda, D. Kamada
Tunisia vs Japan Key Stats & Match Facts
Japan have won five of their six previous meetings with Tunisia, including a 2-0 victory in the 2002 World Cup.
Tunisia have lost five of their last six matches against Japan, with their only victory coming in a 3-0 friendly win in 2022.
Japan have won seven of their last ten matches across all competitions, drawing twice and losing just once.
Tunisia kept ten consecutive clean sheets in World Cup qualifying but have since conceded ten goals across their last two competitive outings.
In previous head-to-head meetings, both teams have never scored in the same game, with BTTS failing to land in all six fixtures.
Tunisia vs Japan Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Tunisia 0-2 Japan. Japan's recent form and dominant head-to-head record make them clear favourites here. Japan have won seven of their last ten outings and Tunisia's defence has been in tatters. Expect Japan to control this match and pick up three points.
Best Bets
Japan to win at 6/11 (Unibet). Japan have won seven of their last ten outings, with their solid record against Tunisia and Tunisia's defensive collapse against Sweden pointing firmly in one direction. A change of manager overnight is unlikely to paper over those cracks.
Under 2.5 Goals at 4/5 (AK Bets). The projected total for this fixture sits just below the 2.5 line. Japan have kept clean sheets regularly in this head-to-head and are disciplined enough to shut up shop once they take the lead.
Tunisia vs Japan Bet Builder
This three-leg bet builder combines a Both teams to score - No, Ali Abdi Over 0.5 Shots and Ritsu Doan to Score or Assist at a best price of 11/1.
No – Both Teams To Score
Japan have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five victories, underlining the defensive discipline that has become a hallmark of this side. Tunisia also come into the game amid uncertainty after parting ways with their manager following the opening group match, raising questions over structure and cohesion. With Japan typically difficult to break down and Tunisia entering a transitional period, backing at least one side to fail to score appeals.
Ritsu Doan – To Score Or Assist
With Takefusa Kubo a major doubt due to a knee issue, much of Japan's attacking responsibility is expected to fall on Ritsu Doan. The Freiburg winger is one of Japan's most creative players and will likely operate in a more advanced role, increasing both his goalscoring and chance-creation opportunities. If Japan are to unlock the Tunisian defence, Doan is likely to be heavily involved.
Ali Abdi Over 0.5 Shots
Ali Abdi has registered one or more shots in three of his last five appearances and remains one of Tunisia's most adventurous players from deeper areas. Whether arriving late into attacking positions or looking to test the goalkeeper from range, Abdi has shown a willingness to shoot whenever opportunities arise. One effort on goal looks well within reach.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 11/1 and is as short as 5/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £60 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Tunisia vs Japan Talking Points
The appointment of Herve Renard is the biggest storyline heading into this fixture. Tunisia went from ten clean sheets in qualifying to conceding ten goals in their last two competitive outings, and the former Saudi Arabia boss now has to patch up a defence that completely collapsed against Sweden. Japan, meanwhile, showed exactly why they are considered serious contenders by coming from behind twice to draw with the Netherlands. With a victory here, Japan would move to the brink of the knockout stages for a third successive World Cup, while Tunisia face potential elimination if they fall short in what will be the 1,000th match in World Cup history.
Tunisia vs Japan Predictions FAQs
When is the Tunisia vs Japan World Cup 2026 game?
The Tunisia vs Japan World Cup 2026 match is scheduled to kick off on Sunday 21 June 2026 at 05:00 UK time.
What is the prediction for Tunisia vs Japan?
Our prediction for Tunisia vs Japan will be based on team form, lineups, and historical head-to-head records ahead of this World Cup fixture.
Where can I find Tunisia vs Japan lineups?
Confirmed lineups for Tunisia vs Japan will be available shortly before kick-off, with predicted starting elevens updated in our preview.
What are the best betting tips for Tunisia vs Japan?
The best betting tips for Tunisia vs Japan include analyzing the match odds and exploring bet builder options to find value.
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