Tunisia vs Japan Preview: Prediction, Team News and Lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026

Tunisia will begin a new chapter under head coach Herve Renard when they face Japan in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter on Saturday.

The Eagles of Carthage suffered a disastrous start to their campaign, falling to a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening match. The result led to the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after only five games in charge, with the Tunisian Football Federation moving quickly to appoint experienced French coach Herve Renard.

Renard arrives with an impressive World Cup pedigree. The 57-year-old has now managed at three consecutive World Cups with three different nations, having previously guided Morocco in 2018 and Saudi Arabia in 2022. He famously masterminded Saudi Arabia's stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina in Qatar and will hope to inspire another memorable upset this weekend.

Tunisia enter the match under significant pressure. Ranked 55th in the FIFA World Rankings, they have won just one of their last eight international matches and have conceded 11 goals across their last three defeats. Another loss could leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread.

Despite their recent struggles, Tunisia can take confidence from previous encounters with Japan, including a memorable 3-0 victory in the 2022 Kirin Cup final.

Japan, meanwhile, started their tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. The Samurai Blue twice came from behind to secure a valuable point, with late heroics from Daichi Kamada ensuring they remained unbeaten.

Many observers view Japan as one of the tournament's potential dark horses, and their performance against the Dutch only strengthened that reputation. Hajime Moriyasu's side displayed resilience, attacking quality and tactical discipline throughout the contest.

The draw ended a six-match winning streak for Japan, but the Asian giants remain well-positioned to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds. Victory over Tunisia would significantly improve their chances ahead of a final group-stage clash with Sweden.

Historically, Japan have enjoyed success in this fixture, winning five of their previous six meetings with Tunisia. Their most recent encounter ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Samurai Blue in October 2023.

Team News

Tunisia

New manager Herve Renard is expected to make tactical changes following the disappointing display against Sweden. A switch from a 3-5-2 system to a back four appears likely.

Omar Rekik and Montassar Talbi could form the central defensive partnership, while Yan Valery and Ali Abdi are expected to occupy the full-back positions.

In midfield, Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira should provide stability, with Hannibal Mejbri operating in a more advanced role. Elias Achouri and Ismael Gharbi are both pushing for recalls on the wings.

Up front, Firas Chaouat is expected to lead the line. His six international goals make him the most prolific attacker currently available in Tunisia's squad.

Japan

Japan have suffered a major setback with the loss of Takefusa Kubo, who sustained a knee injury during the draw with the Netherlands. The Real Sociedad star has been ruled out after leaving the stadium in a wheelchair following the match.

Yukinari Sugawara could return to the starting lineup, allowing Ritsu Doan to move further forward alongside Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda.

The remainder of Moriyasu's side is expected to remain unchanged after their impressive performance against the Dutch. Wataru Endo, Hidemasa Morita and Daichi Kamada should continue in midfield, while Ko Itakura and Shogo Taniguchi anchor the defense.

Key Battle

The midfield contest between Ellyes Skhiri and Daichi Kamada could prove decisive. Tunisia will rely heavily on Skhiri's experience to disrupt Japan's rhythm, while Kamada's creativity and movement between the lines could unlock the Tunisian defense.

Prediction

Tunisia are likely to show improvement under their new manager, but Japan possess greater quality, stronger momentum and a more settled tactical structure.

The Samurai Blue demonstrated their resilience against the Netherlands and should have enough attacking firepower to secure all three points.

Prediction: Tunisia 1-3 Japannull