Sweden opened the 2026 World Cup with a 5‑1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. Yasin Ayari, who could have played for Tunisia, scored the opening goal on a half‑volley in the seventh minute and added a second in stoppage‑time. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak each contributed a goal, while Mattias Svanberg added a fourth after coming on as a substitute. Tunisian striker Omar Rekik pulled one back before halftime, but the Swedes responded with three more goals to seal the win.
The result puts Sweden atop Group F with a +4 goal difference and three points, positioning them strongly for the round‑of‑16. Team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf praised the attacking duo of Gyökeres and Isak, and goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt said, “We are aware it’s a fantastic start, but there is a lot of work left to do.” Youngest debutant Lucas Bergvall, 20 years and 132 days old, became the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup. Sweden now turn their focus to the upcoming match against the Netherlands in Houston.