Preview: Tunisia vs Japan prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

This will be the seventh-ever encounter between Tunisia and Japan

Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, will host an enthralling encounter between Tunisia and Japan in the fourth game of Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both nations will be competing with the Netherlands and Sweden to qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition.

Tunisia played their opening game against Sweden and were soundly beaten by them. The game ended 5-1 and resulted in Tunisia being placed at the bottom of the table. They desperately need a positive result in their upcoming match, as a loss would almost eradicate all their chances to qualify for the Round of 32.

Japan, on the other hand, have emerged as one of the most impressive national teams in recent years, playing one of the most entertaining brands of football. They secured impressive wins against the likes of Spain and Germany during the previous edition of the competition. They have started their 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against another European giant, the Netherlands.

Kick-off:

Location: Guadalupe, Mexico

Stadium: Monterrey Stadium

Date: Saturday, 20 June

Kick-off Time: 04:00 AM (GMT) I 11:00 PM (EST) | 21/06/2026 – 09:30 AM (IST)

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Tunisia (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-W

Japan (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)

The Burnley midfielder was incredible against Sweden despite his team losing 5-1. He registered an assist and was the main creative outlet for his team. He is a talented player who is renowned for his versatility and high playmaking. He likes to drift out wide to the left-hand side and operate as an attacking midfielder too.

Keito Nakamura (Japan)

Keito Nakamura scored a screamer against the Netherlands in the last game to rescue a point for Japan. He had a fabulous club season with Reims in the Ligue 2 as he registered 14 goals and two assists. He presses from the front and frequently recovers the ball in the final third.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-0 win for Japan.
• Tunisia lost 5-1 against Sweden in their last game.
• Japan played a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their last game.

Tunisia vs Japan: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Japan to win – 1.51 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.55 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 3.5 – 1.75 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Tunisia have their entire squad available for selection.

Japan, on the other hand, will be without their ace winger, Takefusa Kubo, for their clash against Tunisia.

Head-to-Head:

Matches played: 6

Japan wins: 5

Tunisia wins: 1

Draws: 0

Goals scored by Japan: 8

Goals scored by Tunisia: 3

Predicted Lineups:

Tunisia (5-3-2)

Chamakh (GK); Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Ben Hmida, Abdi; Khedira, Skhiri, Mejbri; Saad, Slimane

Japan (3-4-2-1)

Suzuki (GK); Watanabe, Taniguchi, Itō; Doan, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda; Ogawa, Ueda

Match Prediction:

The encounter between Tunisia and Japan is expected to be a rather interesting one. Japan must register a win to give them a realistic opportunity to qualify for the next round. Our prediction for the game will be,

Prediction: Tunisia 1-3 Japan

Telecast details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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