Tunisia has undergone changes since their opening 1-5 loss to Sweden. Coach Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed, with veteran manager Herve Renard taking over. The former Saudi Arabia coach, who participated in the 2022 World Cup, aims for a winning start with the "Carthage Eagles" to revive their hopes for the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Japan displayed remarkable resilience in their opening match, equalizing twice against the Netherlands. They seek to maintain this momentum and secure their first victory at the 2026 World Cup.

However, Japan faces significant setbacks with Takefusa Kubo sustaining an injury. Shuto Machino is also ill, making it difficult for him to be at his best. History also presents a challenge for the Asian representatives, as they have won only one of their seven second group stage matches at the World Cup—against Russia at home in 2002—losing three and drawing three others.

Hieu Luong