Sweden opens World Cup with 5-1 victory over Tunisia, silencing critics

Sweden began its World Cup campaign in Monterrey with a decisive 5-1 win against Tunisia. Goals came from Yasin Ayari (twice), Alexander Isak (two goals and an assist), Viktor Gyökeres and substitute Mattias Svanberg, who set a tournament record by scoring just 18 seconds after entering the match.

Captain Victor Lindelöf said the performance “shut up a lot of people” after Sweden entered the tournament amid low expectations and criticism of their qualification campaign. New coach Graham Potter highlighted the team's control and praised the result, while noting there is still work to do before the next game.

The victory puts Sweden atop Group F and sets up a Saturday showdown with the Netherlands, while Tunisia finishes the match with only one goal.