Sweden begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Tunisia in a meeting between two nations with very different tournament histories.
While Sweden have built a strong reputation for consistently progressing beyond the group stage, Tunisia arrive searching for a breakthrough after repeated early exits at football’s biggest tournament.
Sweden Looking to Continue World Cup Tradition
Sweden’s route to the 2026 World Cup was far from straightforward. After finishing bottom of their original qualification group, they earned another opportunity through their UEFA Nations League performances and took full advantage.
The Swedes secured their place at the finals by defeating Ukraine and Poland in March, but their momentum has slowed slightly heading into the tournament after failing to win either of their final warm-up matches, drawing one and losing one.
Despite those concerns, history provides plenty of encouragement. Sweden have lost only two of their 12 previous World Cup opening matches, winning five and drawing five.
They are also aiming for a fifth consecutive World Cup appearance in which they advance beyond the group stage, a remarkable record that highlights their consistency at major tournaments.
Tunisia Searching for a Historic Breakthrough
Tunisia arrive at their third consecutive World Cup appearance hoping to finally escape the group stage for the first time.
Their preparations, however, have been far from ideal. The Eagles of Carthage lost both of their June friendlies without scoring, including a damaging 5-0 defeat against Belgium.
Despite those setbacks, Tunisia can take confidence from their qualifying campaign, where they collected 28 points from a possible 30.
They scored 22 goals and conceded none, showing the defensive organisation that has become their trademark.
Their challenge will be overcoming a difficult record against European opponents at the World Cup.
Tunisia have won only one of their 12 previous World Cup matches against European nations, although that victory came in their most recent such encounter.
Head-to-Head History
The history between these two nations is closely contested, with Sweden holding the advantage across four previous meetings.
The Swedes have won twice, Tunisia once, while one match ended in a draw. Interestingly, those encounters have produced only five total goals, suggesting another tight contest could be expected.
Key Players to Watch
Sweden will rely heavily on striker Viktor Gyokeres, who arrives after a remarkable season that saw him win the Premier League with Arsenal, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions.
Gyökeres was instrumental in Sweden’s play-off victories, scoring four goals across the two matches.
Six of his last seven international goals have arrived after half-time, highlighting his ability to strike late.
Tunisia will look to Hazem Mastouri for attacking inspiration. Three of his four international goals have opened the scoring, making him a potential early threat.
Sweden have fitness concerns surrounding Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga and Benjamin Nygren, who picked up an injury in their warm-up defeat to Greece.
Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri missed the Belgium friendly after suffering a knock against Austria.
Numbers That Matter
- Sweden have lost only two of their 12 previous World Cup opening matches.
- Sweden have not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 matches.
- Only one of Sweden’s last six World Cup finals matches saw both teams score.
- Tunisia have conceded nine of their last ten goals after half-time.
- Six of Tunisia’s last seven World Cup matches have been decided by one goal or fewer.
- Tunisia collected 28 points from a possible 30 during qualifying without conceding.
Kick-off is set for Monday morning at 5 am.
