Japanese football regained confidence after seeing the level of Tunisia, whom it will meet at the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup. It seems to trust the defensive line that the Japan national team prides itself on and the strength of its Europe-based goalkeeper.
Japan's 'Soccer Critic' on the 7th (Korean time) "The real strength of Tunisia that the Japan national team will face in the second group-stage match of the World Cup. Tunisia was eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to Marlee at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations!" the article spotlighted the current situation of the Tunisia national team.
Japan was placed in Group F at the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup. Drawn with the Netherlands, Tunisia, and the winner of UEFA Path B (Ukraine·Poland·Albania·Sweden), it is being labeled a 'group of death.'
With the Netherlands mentioned as the likely group winner, how well Japan performs against Tunisia seems likely to determine advancement to the round of 32. Tunisia is not a powerhouse representing Africa, but because of their strong physicality they could be an even tougher opponent for Japan. In fact, Japan beat Germany and Spain and lost to Costa Rica from Latin America at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
However, Tunisia produced below-expectation results at this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Although they won against Uganda in the group stage, they lost to Nigeria and drew with Tanzania. Worse, in the round of 16 they lost to Marlee on penalties despite having a numerical advantage, failing to advance to the quarterfinals.
In response, Tunisia dismissed coach Savi Trabelsi. It was a drastic move taken six months before the World Cup finals. The Tunisia Football Federation said it judged that change was necessary and announced it would give the next coach full authority to select the coaching staff.
Early elimination from the Nations Cup, tactical problems, and continued criticism from fans ultimately forced Trabelsi to step down. His remark during the tournament, "If I feel I am not suitable for this position or that the environment is such that I can no longer work, I will leave immediately," which flew back at his critics, also appeared to have a negative effect.
In the end, despite steering Tunisia through the 2026 North and Central American World Cup African qualifiers with an outstanding undefeated run of 10 matches, coach Trabelsi did not lead the team in a single match at the finals. Tunisia posted an overwhelming record in qualifying Group H of 9 wins, 1 draw, 22 goals scored and zero conceded, but now must find another manager.
Japanese media are smiling at Tunisia's weaker-than-expected strength. Soccer Critic noted, "Tunisia effectively disappeared from the tournament after their victory over East Africa's Uganda. In terms of content, their three-back defense collapsed against Nigeria, and against Marlee they fought aggressively with a back four basis but only attempted simple crosses."
The outlet went on, "Ultimately, Tunisia's attacking organization seems to depend on Hannibal Mejbri's ideas. But there were many scenes where he ran in circles. Also, Tunisia has height and should be fairly strong on set pieces, but considering the presence of Japan's center backs and goalkeeper Suzuki Zaion, there is no need to feel particularly threatened."
Optimism appears to be growing because of Tunisia's disappointing showing at the Nations Cup. Soccer Critic said, "After the World Cup group draw, news of Tunisia's clean-sheet record in African qualifying circulated, raising caution. But Tunisia managed only 7 goals and 6 goals conceded in four Nations Cup matches, and had no clean sheets." and emphasized, "Tunisia's defenders looked tall and individually capable, but as a team their defensive ability did not seem very good, exposing spaces behind them."
If Japan truly dominates Tunisia, it could aim for at least second place in the group. Japan is scheduled to clash with Tunisia on June 21 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Tunisia national team social media.
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