On 20/6 at Monterrey Stadium, Japan secured a historic 4-0 victory against Tunisia, setting a new Asian record for most goals scored in a single World Cup match. This dominant performance saw goals from Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda, and Junya Ito, overwhelming Tunisia, who finished the game without a single shot on target.

Japan took the lead after just 4 minutes when Kamada tapped in Keito Nakamura's cross. Ueda then doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range shot in the 31st minute. Junya Ito and Ueda added two more goals in the second half, sealing the record-breaking win.

Ayase Ueda celebrates scoring Japan's 4th goal in their 4-0 victory over Tunisia in their second Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Monterrey, Mexico, on 20/6. *Photo: AP*

This 4-0 scoreline established an unprecedented milestone for Japan in Asian World Cup football history. Previously, the best performance by teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in a World Cup match was scoring three goals. Japan achieved this against Denmark in 2010. Australia also beat Japan 3-1 in 2006, but at that time, they were still part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). Ueda's second goal in the 83rd minute confirmed Japan as the first Asian team to net four goals in a World Cup match, with the 4-goal winning margin also becoming the largest for an Asian team.

Beyond the scoring record, Japan extended their World Cup unbeaten streak to four matches, the best in the team's history. According to Opta statistics, coach Hajime Moriyasu's team has not lost since the 2022 World Cup group stage, with results including a win against Spain, a draw against Croatia (before a penalty shootout elimination), a draw against the Netherlands, and this victory over Tunisia.

Junya Ito scores Japan's 3rd goal in their 4-0 victory over Tunisia in their second Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, on 20/6. *Photo: AP*

The team also demonstrated maturity in game control. Center-back Ko Itakura completed 80 successful passes, a record for a Japanese player in a World Cup match, closely followed by teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu with 72 passes. Japan's dominance was further evident as Tunisia managed only two shots throughout the match, their lowest at the 2026 World Cup, and had no shots on target. The last time Tunisia failed to register a shot on target at a World Cup was also against Japan, in the 2002 tournament.

In the history of World Cup encounters between Asian and African teams, Japan set another milestone. Before this match, no Asian team had scored three goals against an African representative at the World Cup. Junya Ito's goal, making it 3-0 in the 69th minute, secured this record.

The victory also highlighted a standout performance by Ayase Ueda, the top scorer of the Dutch league in 2025-2026. The 27-year-old forward scored two goals and provided one assist, becoming the second player at the 2026 World Cup to record two or more goals and at least one assist in a single match, following Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands. Ueda is also the first Japanese player to score a brace in a World Cup final round match.

Ayase Ueda (left) and Daichi Kamada celebrate Japan's 2nd goal in their 4-0 victory over Tunisia in their second Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, on 20/6. *Photo: AP*

Kamada continued to demonstrate his leading role in attack by scoring the opening goal in the 4th minute, Japan's fastest in World Cup history. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has scored two goals at the 2026 World Cup, making a significant contribution as the team plays without Kaoru Mitoma due to injury. Keito Nakamura, who directly replaced Mitoma, also contributed to two goals this tournament. Meanwhile, Junya Ito scored his first goal at the 2026 World Cup, and midfielder Kaishu Sano recorded his first assist, showcasing Japan's strength across various positions.

Japan is currently second in Group F, facing the risk of meeting Brazil in the round of 16. However, they have an opportunity to improve their standing in the final match against Sweden at 6 AM on friday, 26/6, Hanoi time.

By Hoang An