Ayari scores twice as Sweden routs Tunisia 5-1

Yasin Ayari scored twice as Sweden cruised to a 5-1 win over Tunisia in their opening World Cup Group F match on Sunday.

Ayari and Alexander Isak struck early before Omar Rekik reduced the deficit for the African team on the stroke of halftime. Viktor Gyokeres, Mattias Svanberg and Ayari then added second-half goals as Sweden sealed an emphatic win.

Alexander Isak (R) of Sweden vies with Montassar Talbi of Tunisia during the group F match between Sweden and Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 14, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Graham Potter's men attacked from the outset and it took just seven minutes for Ayari to give his side the lead at Monterrey Stadium.

The Brighton midfielder seized on a loose ball to thump home a first-time effort after Gyokeres' shot was blocked by Montassar Talbi.

Sweden was in a relentless mood and Isak doubled the lead following another move that began with Gyokeres.

The Arsenal striker controlled Benjamin Nygren's long clearance with his chest before cleverly releasing Isak, who cut inside and lashed low past goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh.

Almost all of Tunisia's attacking moves went through Hannibal Mejbri and the Burnley midfielder unlocked Sweden's defense just before halftime with a perfectly weighted cross that was glanced in by Rekik.

The game opened up further after halftime, with both sides creating scoring opportunities.

Tunisia only had itself to blame for Sweden's third goal as Ellyes Skhiri failed in his attempt to take on Isak on the edge of the box, allowing Gyokeres to pounce and thump in his team's third goal.

The Nordic side looked more at ease as the game progressed. Substitute Svanberg made it 4-1 seconds after replacing Jesper Karlstrom, volleying in from 12 yards after Isak flicked on a dangerous ball from Alexander Bernhardsson.

Ayari completed the rout in the sixth minute of stoppage time, capitalizing on a turnover with a long-distance shot that left Chamakh with no chance.