Tunisia vs Japan Predictions, Picks & Odds – 21/06/2026
Tunisia vs Japan – Best bets of the match
Tunisia vs Japan Preview
Tunisia arrive at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in poor shape, having won just once in their last four outings. Sabri Lamouchi's side were hammered 5-0 by Belgium in their final warm-up friendly, a result that will have done little for confidence. Sitting fourth in their group, the Eagles of Carthage are desperate to progress beyond the group stage for the first time across seven World Cup appearances. Hannibal Mejbri is expected to feature from the start.
Japan, by contrast, carry serious momentum into this tournament. Three consecutive victories, including a 1-0 triumph over England in their most recent friendly, underline their credentials as genuine dark horses. The loss of captain Wataru Endo to a foot injury is significant, though Ko Itakura steps into the armband with Shuto Machino called up as a replacement. Priced at 1.77, Japan's recent trajectory and dominant head-to-head record against Tunisia make them clear favourites.
Japan's three-match winning streak, capped by a narrow victory over England in their final warm-up friendly, underscores the quality this squad possesses even without injured stars like Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino. New captain Ko Itakura inherits a side brimming with confidence. The away win at 1.77 reflects that momentum and represents the strongest selection from the available markets.
The head-to-head record is striking. Across three previous meetings, Japan have won every single one, scoring six goals while keeping three clean sheets. That includes a 2-0 triumph in the 2002 World Cup group stage. Tunisia, by contrast, were dismantled 5-0 by Belgium in their last friendly, exposing defensive frailties that Japan's attacking depth can exploit.
Given Tunisia's leaky backline and Japan's clinical record against them, under 2.5 goals at N/A may seem counterintuitive. However, Japan's recent results have been tight, low-scoring affairs, and a controlled, professional performance is likelier than an open contest. Both teams to score: No at N/A also merits attention, considering Tunisia have never found the net against Japan in any of their three encounters.
Trends to Know about Tunisia vs Japan
- Japan unbeaten in three head-to-head meetings
- Tunisia conceded five in last friendly
- Japan riding a six-match winning streak
Form & Statistics: Tunisia vs Japan
Tunisia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Japan
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Tunisia vs Japan
Tunisia
Starters
- 1 Abdelmouhib Chamakh
- 2 Yan Valery
- 3 Omar Rekik
- 4 Montassar Talbi
- 5 Ali Abdi
- 6 Ellyes Skhiri
- 7 Rani Khedira
- 8 Hannibal Mejbri
- 9 Elias Achouri
- 10 Firas Chaouat
- 11 Ismael Gharbi
Absent
- Ferjani Sassi (Injury)
- Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Injury)
Japan
Starters
- 1 Zion Suzuki
- 2 Hiroki Ito
- 3 Ko Itakura
- 4 Ayumu Seko
- 5 Yukinari Sugawara
- 6 Ao Tanaka
- 7 Kaishu Sano
- 8 Keito Nakamura
- 9 Takefusa Kubo
- 10 Daichi Kamada
- 11 Ayase Ueda
Absent
- Wataru Endo (Foot injury, retired from international football)
- Kaoru Mitoma (Hamstring injury)
- Takumi Minamino (ACL rupture)
- Koki Machida (Injury)
Medium confidence
A 4-3-3 against a 3-4-2-1 sets up an intriguing width battle, with Tunisia's wide forwards pressing high and Japan's wing-backs expected to push forward aggressively. Hannibal Mejbri will be central to Tunisia's ability to control the midfield tempo and link defence to attack.
For Japan, the double-ten structure behind Ayase Ueda gives Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada licence to find pockets between the lines. Both lineups carry probable status from credible outlets, though Japan's source is marginally more recent, lending their XI slightly stronger confidence heading into kick-off.
Tunisia vs Japan: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Tunisia vs Japan Match?
What time is Tunisia vs Japan?
Tunisia vs Japan kicks off at 09:30 IST on Saturday, 21 June 2026.
Where is Tunisia vs Japan being played?
This match will be played at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Monterrey, Mexico.
How Can I Watch Tunisia vs Japan on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcast details for Tunisia vs Japan will be confirmed closer to the scheduled kickoff.
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