Tunisia vs Japan Picks and Prediction for Saturday, June 20, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 06/17/2026, 12:55 PM ET
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Tunisia and Japan meet at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Sunday at 12:00 AM ET in a critical Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan enters with one point after battling the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in its opener, while Tunisia sits at the bottom of the group following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. Japan arrives unbeaten in its last five matches with a DWWWW record, while Tunisia has struggled recently, posting a LLLDW mark over its last five contests. With Sweden already on three points and the Netherlands also in contention, this match carries major implications for both nations' hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. Find today's value with our free World Cup picks.

Tunisia Preview

Tunisia endured a disastrous start to the tournament, falling 5-1 to Sweden in a match that exposed several defensive issues. The Eagles of Carthage entered the World Cup after navigating qualification without conceding a goal, but Sweden quickly dismantled that reputation with five goals and constant pressure.

The lone bright spot came from defender Omar Rekik, who scored Tunisia's only goal just before halftime. Hannibal Mejbri provided the assist and remains one of the squad's most creative players in possession. However, Tunisia struggled to deal with Sweden's pace and movement throughout the contest.

The recent form is concerning. Tunisia has lost four of its last five matches, including friendly defeats against Belgium and Austria before the World Cup began. Over those four losses, Tunisia has scored just one goal while conceding 11.

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Defensively, Tunisia must improve dramatically. The team allowed five goals against Sweden and now faces a Japanese side that showed composure and attacking quality against one of Europe's strongest squads. Tunisia needs points to stay alive in the group, but confidence is clearly under pressure after the opening-round collapse.

Injuries: No major injuries reported entering the match.

Japan Preview

Japan produced one of the stronger performances of the opening round despite settling for a draw. Hajime Moriyasu's side twice came from behind against the Netherlands and secured a valuable 2-2 result thanks to a late equalizer from Daichi Kamada.

Keito Nakamura opened Japan's scoring with an excellent strike, while Takefusa Kubo and Koki Ogawa both contributed assists. Japan showed toughness throughout the match and continued attacking even after falling behind for a second time in the second half.

This team continues to build on the momentum it has established over the last several years. Japan entered the tournament on a four-match winning streak and remains difficult to break down defensively. The squad features technical quality throughout the midfield and enough pace in attack to create problems on the counter.

A victory here would put Japan in an excellent position heading into the final group-stage match. Given Tunisia's defensive struggles and recent form, Japan should feel confident about securing all three points.

Injuries: No major injuries reported entering the match.

Tunisia vs Japan Pick

  • Japan Moneyline (-190)

Japan looked far more convincing in its opener than Tunisia. The Samurai Blue earned a point against the Netherlands, while Tunisia conceded five goals and struggled defensively throughout its loss to Sweden. Japan's attacking options, midfield control, and current form provide a clear advantage. Tunisia needs a response, but Japan has been the more consistent side and should capitalize on the defensive weaknesses shown by Tunisia in the first match.

Tunisia vs Japan Over/Under Pick

  • Over 2.5 Goals (+110)

Tunisia's defensive performance against Sweden makes it difficult to trust the Eagles of Carthage to keep this match low-scoring. Japan scored twice against the Netherlands and created enough opportunities to suggest another productive attacking performance is likely. Tunisia also enters in a desperate position. A draw does little to help its qualification hopes, which could force a more aggressive approach if it falls behind.

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