Tunisia have joined Turkey and Haiti in being eliminated from the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Tunisia have become the third team to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Japan in Group F overnight.
The North Africans went into the match under pressure after being thrashed 5-1 by Sweden in their opening fixture, a result that led to the dismissal of head coach Sabri Lamouchi and the appointment of Herve Renard. However, the change failed to spark a revival as Japan dominated in Monterrey.
Japan’s emphatic victory leaves Tunisia with two defeats from two matches and no points, meaning they can no longer progress to the knockout rounds regardless of what happens in their final group game against the Netherlands.
Ayase Ueda scored twice as Japan dominated the landmark 1,000th match in World Cup history, with the Asian side strengthening their own hopes of reaching the last 32.
Tunisia are the third nation to be mathematically eliminated from the tournament. They follow Turkey and Haiti, who were also knocked out after losing their opening two matches due to FIFA’s new rules.
The early exits have confused many fans, with all three teams still capable of winning their final matches and finishing level on points with other teams in their groups. With eight of the 12 third-placed teams going through to the knockout stages for the first time, many expected qualification to be decided in the final round of group matches.
In previous tournaments, goal difference was the first tiebreaker used to separate teams level on points, but that has changed this time, with FIFA deciding head-to-head results will be the deciding factor.
Because Tunisia have already lost to Sweden, Turkey have already lost to Australia and Paraguay, and Haiti have already lost to Scotland, those teams cannot finish third regardless of what happens in their remaining matches.
The early exit completes a miserable fortnight for Tunisia. After qualifying impressively, their campaign unravelled rapidly with the 5-1 defeat by Sweden, a managerial change and now a second heavy loss that has ended their World Cup dream.
Renard, who was brought in as an emergency replacement in a bid to rescue the campaign, admitted before the Japan clash that his side would need a near-perfect performance to stay alive. Instead, Japan took control from the outset and condemned Tunisia to an early flight home.
Tunisia still have one group match remaining against the Netherlands on June 25, but it will now be played only for pride with their elimination confirmed.
