Tunisia vs Japan: prediction & betting odds 21 June 2026

Form and Line-up Tunisia

It is hard to find words to describe Tunisia's performance in the first round against Sweden. This is exactly the case when the 1:5 scoreline perfectly reflects what happened on the pitch. Yes, the team had 51% possession, but it was completely pointless: only 0.27 xG and two shots on target. Moreover, that very emphasis on possession buried the side, as four goals were effectively gifted, with the players repeatedly miscontrolling the ball on the edge of their own box.

The reaction from the football federation was immediate. Head coach Sabri Lamouchi was instantly dismissed and Herve Renard was appointed in his place. However, there is a problem: in the role of head coach the Frenchman has been to the World Cup twice (with Morocco in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in 2022) and on both occasions finished fourth in the group. Now, when he has virtually no time for preparation, there is little reason to expect a different scenario.

Key numbers Tunisia:

• The team have lost three matches in a row.

• In their last two games they have conceded five goals each time.

• In six matches in 2026 they have scored only three goals.

Probable Tunisia line-up (5-3-2): Aymen Dahmen — Yan Valery, Omar Rekik, Montassar Talbi, Mohamed Ben Hamida, Ali Abdi — Ellyes Skhiri, Rani Khedira, Hannibal Mejbri — Anis Ben Slimane, Elias Saad.

Form and Line-up Japan

In the first round Japan were paired with Netherlands and the "samurai" coped superbly with this test of their resilience (2:2). At times they were not even afraid to impose their own football on the favourites and to base their approach on possession. The final 15 minutes were played very much under their control, which resulted in a goal.

In attack, the system with doubled flanks worked brilliantly. The wingers provided width, allowing the wing-backs to move inside and threaten the goal — this is exactly how Nakamura scored. Another strong asset of the team is set pieces. The second goal was anything but accidental. Two players blocked Virgil van Dijk, while Daichi Kamada burst into the space that opened up from the far corner of the six-yard box. This was clearly a rehearsed routine and it is highly unlikely that it is the only one in Japan's armoury.

Key numbers Japan:

• The team are unbeaten in eight matches in a row (six wins and two draws).

• They have kept a clean sheet in five of those eight games.

• In five of these matches they have scored at least two goals.

Probable Japan line-up (3-4-3): Zion Suzuki – Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito – Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura – Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda.

Absentees: Wataru Endo (injury).

Who will referee the match

István Kovács (Romania)

Matches – 22 (International matches, 2025-2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average yellow cards per match (including second yellow cards) – 3.9;

Matches with red cards – 7 out of 22;

Matches with penalties awarded – 5 out of 22.