Renard unafraid of defeat with Japan clash looming
After suffering a heavy defeat in their opening Group F 2026 World Cup fixture, Tunisia will hope to bounce back as they prepare to take on a spirited Japanese outfit at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on Sunday morning.
Kick-off is at 6:00am (CAT, GMT+2).
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CURRENT FORM
Tunisia were among the biggest losers during Matchday one at the World Cup, after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden at the Monterrey Stadium on 15 June.
While Yasin Ayari opened the scoring in the seventh minute, Alexander Isak doubled Sweden’s advantage at the half-hour mark. Tunisia drew one back through Omar Rekik in the 43rd minute but ultimately crumbled in the second-half following goals by Ayari, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg.
Japan on the other hand, gave a better account of themselves, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium on 14 June.
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring moments after the break, while Keito Nakamura grabbed an equalizer in the 57th minute. Not holding back, Crysencio Summerville put Netherlands in the lead in the 64th minute, after which Daichi Kamada saved Japan’s blushes with a goal a minute from regulation time.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking ahead of their clash against Japan, newly appointed Tunisia coach Herve Renard expressed that his side are ‘open-minded’ before urging the Eagles of Carthage to embrace the fear of losing.
“When you are organised and together, you are able to compete. We have to follow this example and not be scared of defeat,” Renard said.
“I’ve met with an open-minded group. They want their revenge. We know that we must go above and beyond against this Japanese team.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tunisia: Hannibal Mejbri – As one of the star players from the Tunisia camp, much of their success in the upcoming game will rest of Hannibal’s shoulders. Largely deployed as 10 behind the striker, Mejbri’s Premier League experience will be one of his side’s biggest assets on Sunday.
Japan: Keito Nakamura – Nakamura was a livewire for his side against the Netherlands last time out, especially after getting his name on the scoresheet to level the score shortly before the hour-mark. The wing-back is known for his energy and zest to progress up field, which could come as a problem for Tunisia should they player a high line of engagement.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 4
Tunisia wins: 1
Japan wins: 3
Draws: 0
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