Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak starred as Sweden sprinted to the top of Group F with an emphatic win over Tunisia. Graham Potter’s team sit two points clear of Japan and the Netherlands at this FIFA World Cup 2026.
Yasin Ayari, whose father was born in Tunisia, broke the deadlock at Monterrey Stadium 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.
Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner as Côte d’Ivoire edged Ecuador in a breathless contest in which the woodwork was struck four times.
The match, somehow, seemed to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Amad expertly caressed a shot into the bottom corner to spark scenes of joyous celebration.
The first half of the match was wildly entertaining. Ecuador’s John Yeboah was the first to be denied by the frame of the goal, with his venomous strike from outside the area crashing against the crossbar. Soon after, Alan Minda had a golden opportunity when he was played in by a perfectly-weighted Pedro Vite pass. His curling effort also struck the bar, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana beaten.
It was not one-way traffic, though. Yan Diomande was an electric presence for Côte d’Ivoire on the right flank, regularly advancing into dangerous areas, while Bazoumana Toure’s low drive forced a fingertip stop from Hernan Galindez.
Chances continued to flow early in the second half, with Enner Valencia smashing a shot off the post from a tight angle. It was then Les Elephants’ turn to hit the woodwork. Elye Wahi made a solid connection with his first-time strike but couldn’t keep it down and it cannoned off the bar.
Côte d’Ivoire began to seize control of the match, enjoying most of the possession as Ecuador retreated. They got their reward for their enterprising play late in the piece when Manchester United star Amad slotted in to send them top of Group E.
Japan came back to hold the Netherlands late on in Dallas as substitute Koki Ogawa’s header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.
The Netherlands had looked set to become the early FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F frontrunners after Crysencio Summerville’s 64th-minute goal. However, as they had done during the 14-minute goal burst earlier in the second half, Japan showed their mettle to secure a point.
After an initially cagey contest under the roof at Dallas Stadium, this group opener sprang into life when Virgil van Dijk headed back across goal from a Ryan Gravenberch cross.
Japan had beaten Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 after conceding first, and they rallied through Keito Nakamura’s super low strike. Yet on his third Oranje appearance, lively winger Summerville stepped inside to curl a perfectly measured shot in off the post. The lead lasted until Ogawa’s header from a corner flicked Kamada on its way past Bart Verbruggen.
A quieter first half had been enlivened by the duel between Donyell Malen and Japan No1 Zion Suzuki, while the keeper also saved from Cody Gakpo. However, Japan would not be cowed by Ronald Koeman’s Oranje and gave a hint of things to come with efforts from Nakamura and Ayase Ueda. (FIFA)