Sweden beats Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup opener, prompting rise in employee absences

Sweden opened Group F of the World Cup with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico. Yasin Ayari scored twice, Alexander Isak contributed a goal and two assists, and Viktor Gyökeres added a goal and an assist. Sweden completed the win with goals from Mattias Svanberg and others, remaining unbeaten in the group and preparing to face the Netherlands in Houston.

Statistics Sweden reported a sharp increase in short‑term work absences across the country during the tournament. The agency found that employee absences rose from 19% in non‑championship weeks to 27% during weeks with a major football championship, a 57% higher likelihood of taking leave. The surge reflects the widespread enthusiasm for the national team's performance.