Ueda's double powers Japan past Tunisia 4-0; qualification now hinges on Sweden

What happened

Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey to take control of their Group F second match almost from kickoff. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, turning in Keito Nakamura's low cross from the left at the near post. From there Japan kept the lead climbing: Ayase Ueda made it 2-0 before half-time with an 18-yard strike that slipped through a defender and into the bottom-left corner, Junya Ito added the third just after the hour, and Ueda completed his double late on for 4-0.

The turning point

The game tilted before it had really started. The early goal forced Tunisia to chase, and Japan's first-half numbers reflected the gap — five shots to one, with the bulk of the clear chances falling to Hajime Moriyasu's side. Ueda's second goal of the half removed any route back for Tunisia, who could not turn possession into shots on Zion Suzuki's goal.

What it means for Japan

Japan move to four points and a plus-four goal difference, exactly level with the Netherlands, who beat Sweden 5-1 on the same matchday. The Netherlands sit first on goals scored; Japan are second. Sweden, after their heavy defeat, stay third on three points, while Tunisia are out with two losses and a 1-9 goal record across their opening games.

That sets up a clean finale. Japan play Sweden on June 26 at 08:00 JST in the Dallas area, with the Netherlands facing Tunisia at the same time. A draw would all but secure Japan's place in the next round; a win could lift them to the top of the group. A defeat would push the calculation toward the third-place ladder, but Japan control their own situation going into the last match.

What is still open

The final order of Group F — and which team finishes first — is not settled and will be decided in the last round. Japan's exact route, top-two or via the best third-placed teams, depends on the Sweden result and what the Netherlands do against Tunisia at the same hour.