In a rematch of their 2002 FIFA World Cup clash, Tunisia and Japan meet in Monterrey for their second group stage match.
Group F
Sunday, 21 June | Monterrey Stadium
Kick-off time
12:00 (GMT+8)
The match
A clash for the record books as Tunisia take on Japan for the 1,000th match in the FIFA World Cup’s long and storied history. After playing to a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium, the Samurai Blue travel to Monterrey to face Tunisia, who will have a new look on the touchline following their 5-1 defeat to Sweden. Veteran coach Herve Renard has taken the reins and will aim to lead Tunisia to victory. A rematch of their group stage clash at Korea/Japan 2002, their most recent meeting took place in the 2023 Kirin Challenge Cup, which Japan also won 2–0.
Tunisia possible starting XI
Ben-Hessen; Abdi, Talbi, Rekik, Valery; Skhiri, Khedira, Hannibal; Achouri, Saad; Chaouat
Japan possible starting XI
Z.Suzuki; H. Ito, Taniguchi, Watanabe; Doan, Tanaka, Sano, Nakamura; Kamada, Ito, Ueda
What they said…
“At the moment we need to be focused on ourselves. We still have a few days to be ready. “It’s a World Cup. I know the passion around this event. That’s what motivated me to come and it’s a challenge which isn’t easy.” Herve Renard, Tunisia coach
“Being able to take part in the 1,000th (FIFA) World Cup match is truly symbolic. Playing a (FIFA) World Cup match is always an honour and a dream come true, but taking part in the 1,000th one is very special. It makes you appreciate all the history of this competition – the greatest matches, the greatest players who wrote the most incredible chapters in (FIFA) World Cup history.” Ellyes Skhiri, Tunisia captain
“Tunisia have a new manager now, and I expect them to come at us with real intensity, fighting tooth and nail to make up for their defeat in the opening match. We can’t allow ourselves to become passive in the face of that desperation. We need to be mentally ready to step forward with even stronger resolve than our opponents and go after the win.
“It is a great honour for us to take part, as Japan’s national team and as Asia’s representative, in the historic 1,000th match of the FIFA World Cup, a tournament with a long and distinguished history. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to FIFA and the people of Monterrey for hosting this wonderful occasion.” Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach
Monterrey Stadium
The breathtaking Monterrey Stadium will host four matches from the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including three group games and one Round of 32 fixture. Mexican side Monterrey play their football in this modern-day marvel, which is equipped with compact energy solutions and low voltage equipment. The venue also hosted eight games at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, including USA’s 1-0 final victory over Canada. Coldplay, Bad Bunny and Justin Bieber have performed at the ground in its opening decade.