FIFA World Cup 2026: Gyokeres, Isak star as Sweden thrash Tunisia 5-1
Monterrey, June 15
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak starred as Sweden registered an emphatic win over Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter here at Monterrey Stadium on Monday.
Yasin Ayari broke the deadlock with a brilliant drive from outside the box. Isak made it two following a delightful turn and pass from strike partner Gyokeres before Sabri Lamouchi's side got themselves back into the game when Omar Rekik glanced home Hannibal Mejbri's glorious delivery for his first international goal.
The second half was all Sweden. Isak robbed Ellyes Skhiri and Gyokeres buried the loose ball to make it 3-1. Mattias Svanberg amplified the advantage moments after coming on, and Ayari sealed a morale-boosting success.
Notably, this has been one of the highest-scoring matchdays in World Cup history with 19 goals on Monday after Germany scored seven earlier in the day.
Sweden took the lead in Guadalupe in the seventh minute courtesy of Brighton midfielder Ayari's thunderbolt from outside the box, following a mix-up at the back. They doubled their lead on half an hour after a rapid break freed Isak on the left, AFC reports.
The Liverpool forward raced forward and cut inside before unleashing a shot, which goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to keep out, even though he got a hand to the ball.
Sweden threatened to overwhelm their opponents, but the match changed complexion minutes before half-time when Rekik headed home Hannibal Mejbri's teasing cross. However, the Scandinavian nation restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after another defensive calamity for Tunisia.
Midfielder Ellyes Skhiri was caught in possession on the edge of the box by Isak, who fed Gyokeres and the Arsenal man fired home. Substitute Svanberg made it 4-1 late on after VAR ruled he was onside. And there was still time for another stunning goal from Ayari from outside the penalty box.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is why I love the World Cup! 19 goals in a single matchday – incredible stuff. Ayari's two goals were absolute screamers. But honestly, I feel a bit sad for Tunisia; they showed fight in the first half but fell apart after the break. Defence needs serious work.
As a neutral, this was pure entertainment! Sweden's counter-attacking was breathtaking – that second goal by Isak was pure class. But I do wonder, where was Tunisia's midfield? They were completely overrun in the second half. Also, VAR finally doing its job correctly for a change! 😅
Great match, but I feel for the African teams this tournament. They always have so much talent but defensive lapses let them down. Tunisia's Skhiri had a nightmare with that mistake. Meanwhile, Arsenal fans must be thrilled to see Gyokeres in this form! Abhi toh World Cup ka maza aayega! 🏆
Impressive performance from Sweden! But let's be honest, Tunisia made it too easy. The defending for the third goal was schoolboy stuff – you can't give the ball away like that on the edge of your own box. Still, Ayari deserves man of the match – two world-class strikes. Hopefully, we see more Asian teams playing with this kind of quality soon! 🎯
As someone who follows European football closely, Sweden's development under this system has been remarkable. Isak and Gyokeres complement each other perfectly – it's like watching a well-oiled machine. The question now is: can
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