Japan sets Asian World Cup scoring record in 4-0 win over Tunisia
Japan became the first Asian team to score four goals in a World Cup match, defeating Tunisia 4-0 on Saturday to strengthen their position in Group F and set several tournament records.
At Monterrey Stadium, Japan took the lead in the fourth minute when Daichi Kamada converted Keito Nakamura's low cross. Ayase Ueda doubled the advantage in the 31st minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area before Junya Ito and Ueda added second-half goals to complete a dominant performance.
Tunisia struggled to cope with Japan's pace and movement throughout the match and failed to register a shot on target.
The victory established a new milestone for Asian football at the World Cup. No team from the Asian Football Confederation had previously scored four goals in a tournament match. The previous benchmark was three goals, a mark reached by Japan in a 3-1 victory over Denmark at the 2010 World Cup.
Ueda's second goal, in the 84th minute, secured the record and capped an outstanding individual display. The Feyenoord striker finished with two goals and an assist, becoming only the second player at the 2026 World Cup to record at least two goals and one assist in a single match, after the Netherlands' Cody Gakpo.
Japan's four-goal winning margin also matched the largest victory ever recorded by an Asian side at the World Cup.
The result extended Japan's unbeaten run in World Cup play to four matches, dating back to the 2022 tournament. According to Opta, the streak includes a victory over Spain, a draw with Croatia before elimination on penalties in Qatar, a recent draw with the Netherlands.
Japan also controlled possession with remarkable efficiency. Defender Ko Itakura completed 80 passes, the highest total ever recorded by a Japanese player in a World Cup match. Teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu finished with 72 successful passes.
The statistical gulf between the teams reflected Japan's dominance. Tunisia managed only two shots throughout the match and did not test goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. It was Tunisia's first World Cup game without a shot on target since facing Japan at the 2002 tournament.
The victory further highlighted the depth of Hajime Moriyasu's squad. Kamada scored his second goal of the tournament, while Nakamura, filling in for the injured Kaoru Mitoma, contributed to two goals. Ito opened his account at the 2026 World Cup, and midfielder Kaishu Sano registered his first assist.
Japan entered the tournament as one of Asia's strongest contenders, but its performance against Tunisia reinforced growing belief that it could challenge deeper into the knockout rounds.
The team will conclude its group-stage campaign against Sweden on June 26, with positioning in Group F likely to determine their path through the knockout stage.
Japan's first three goals against Tunisia
Japan's Ayase Ueda (18) celebrates scoring their fourth goal during the World Cup Group F football match between Tunisia and Japan in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 20, 2026. Photo by AP
Japan's Junya Ito scores his side's third goal against Tunisia during a World Cup Group F football match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. Photo by AP
Japan's Ayase Ueda (L) and Daichi Kamada celebrate after Ueda scored their second goal during the World Cup Group F football match between Tunisia and Japan in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. Photo by AP
