Ueda Brace Powers Japan to a Ruthless 4–0 Win Over Tunisia
Japan have long promised to become a genuine force at the World Cup, and against Tunisia they delivered a performance to back it up. The Samurai Blue were fast, fluid, and ruthless in a 4–0 victory that underlined their status as one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional favourites.
A Flying Start
Japan could hardly have begun better. Inside four minutes, Daichi Kamada finished off a flowing move started by Kaoru Nakamura, silencing the Tunisian support and setting the tone for a dominant afternoon.
The lead was doubled in the 31st minute when Ayase Ueda rose to convert from Ko Itakura, rewarding Japan's relentless pressure. Tunisia, organised and physical, struggled to contain the speed and movement of the Japanese attack.
Ito and Ueda Finish the Job
The second half brought more of the same. In the 69th minute, the lively Junya Ito made it three, with Ueda turning provider. And in the 83rd minute Ueda completed his brace, latching onto a pass from Kota Sano to seal an emphatic 4–0 win.
What It Means
This was a complete team performance from Japan — incisive in attack, disciplined in defence, and clinical in front of goal. Ueda's two goals will grab the headlines, but the fluency of the entire side will worry their group rivals.
For Tunisia, it was a chastening afternoon against opposition operating at a different tempo. The Carthage Eagles will need to be far more solid to recover their World Cup campaign. Follow every World Cup 2026 match live on KickD — real-time scores, goal alerts, and group standings updated every 60 seconds.
⚽ Goals (4)
Full Timeline
Tunisia
Japan
