Tunisia vs Japan – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 21-06

Tunisia and Japan meet in the second round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match takes place this Sunday, 21 June, at 5 AM (BST) at the Estadio BBVA in Guadeloupe.

The two nations come into the game in contrasting circumstances. Japan showed great character to earn a point against the Netherlands, while Tunisia are in crisis after a heavy defeat and the sacking of their manager. Our Tunisia vs. Japan prediction points to a difficult match for the African side.

Prediction

Japan to win

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6.10

Tunisia vs. Japan - Head-to-head record

The history between Tunisia and Japan has been notably one-sided. In five previous encounters, Japan claimed four victories, showing clear dominance. Tunisia secured their only win in one of these matches, and no game between the two has ever ended in a draw.

Japan’s strong record is particularly evident in away performances. They have won both of their two previous matches on Tunisian soil. This highlights a significant home disadvantage for Tunisia in this fixture. Curiously, Tunisia’s only victory against the Samurai Blue came when they were the visiting team in Japan.

The historical context for the Tunisia vs. Japan match heavily favours the Asian team. The head-to-head record consistently shows Japanese superiority over the years. Tunisia faces a difficult challenge to reverse this trend, based on past results.

Tunisia - In crisis after opening defeat

Following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match and the sacking of their coach, Tunisia find themselves in a tough position.

Here, we take a closer look at their current situation and what can be expected under new management. We will also reveal the probable Tunisia vs. Japan line-ups for this crucial encounter.

Recent form

Tunisia’s World Cup campaign began with a significant setback, a 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening group match. This crushing loss triggered a crisis, resulting in head coach Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal after only one game, a historically swift decision.

This poor start continues their worrying pre-tournament form. In recent friendlies, Tunisia lost 5-0 to Belgium and 1-0 to Austria, highlighting struggles against strong teams. They have secured only one win in their last five international matches, a slim 1-0 victory over Haiti.

New manager Herve Renard now leads the team just days before this crucial fixture. Morale is low due to tactical issues and a lack of confidence, despite no key injuries. The defence, which conceded 11 goals in its last three games, faces a major challenge to reorganise before the Tunisia vs. Japan encounter.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Tunisia

A. Chamakh; Y. Valery, O. Rekik, M. Talbi, A. Abdi; E. Achouri, I. Ghabri, E. Skhiri, H. Mejbri, R. Khedira; F. Chaouat.

Manager: Hervé Renard.

Japan - Showing great resilience

Let’s take a look at Japan’s current situation. We will analyse their recent form, expectations for this match, and their standout performers.

Recent form

Japan started their World Cup campaign strongly, earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. They showed impressive character, coming from behind twice to secure a crucial point. This resilience against a top European side demonstrates their quality and fighting spirit, which will be vital in the Tunisia vs. Japan match.

This result is part of an excellent run of form for the Samurai Blue. In the build-up to the tournament, they secured impressive friendly victories over England, Scotland, and Iceland. Their recent record is formidable, having won 14 of their last 21 international matches while losing only twice, establishing them as a tough team to beat.

With Endo and Kubo unavailable for this match, Japan will do its best to find adequate replacements. Daichi Kamada and Keito Nakamura were the goalscorers against the Dutch, and their attacking threat will be key. Their high morale and solid form give them a clear advantage heading into this fixture.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Japan

Z. Suzuki; H. Ito, S. Taniguchi, T.Watanabe; D. Kamada, K.Sano, K. Nakamura, Y. Sugarawa, R. Doan, D. Maeda; A. Ueda.

Manager: Hajime Moriyasu.

Tunisia vs. Japan - Stats

• Japan have been in formidable form, winning 14 of their last 21 international matches while losing only twice.
• Tunisia have struggled for consistency, securing just eight victories in their last 21 games.
• The Japanese side scored an average of 1.5 goals per game across their last ten matches.
• Tunisia’s attack has been less potent, averaging 1.1 goals over their last ten outings.
• Japan: Daichi Kamada and Keito Nakamura both got on the scoresheet in their opening fixture.
• Tunisia: Defender Omar Rekik scored the team’s only goal of the tournament so far.

Predictions for Tunisia vs. Japan - Samurai Blue to dominate

Tunisia are in disarray after a heavy defeat and changing their manager, creating an unstable environment. Japan, buoyed by their draw with the Netherlands, will look to take control early, making a “Half-Time Result" bet on them a tempting option.

Japan’s recent form is impressive, with 14 wins in their last 21 games. Given Tunisia"s defensive frailties, conceding 11 goals in three matches, Japan"s attack should find success, supporting a “Japan -0.75" asian handicap bet.

Considering the vast difference in morale and recent performances, Japan are the clear favourites to take all three points. Our main prediction is for a Japan victory, as they look to build on their solid start to the tournament.

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on Tunisia vs. Japan

Looking for more options? Here are a couple of additional tips for the Tunisia vs. Japan game.

🔥 Double Chance & Total Goals: 12 & Over 2.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

Tunisia’s defence has been very fragile, while Japan showed their quality in attack against the Netherlands. With no draws in their head-to-head history, a decisive outcome with several goals looks promising.

🔥 Total Goals - 1st Half: Over 0.5 - 1.43 at BetMGM

Japan will likely start on the front foot, aiming to exploit Tunisia"s low morale early on. This makes a goal in the first half a strong possibility for this encounter.

Where to watch Tunisia vs. Japan?

Here is where to watch Tunisia vs. Japan live in the UK:

• TV: BBC One (UK), BBC Sport (GBR)
• Streaming: BBC iPlayer (GBR), BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR)

Tunisia vs. Japan - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: Tunisia vs. Japan
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 21/06/2026
• Kick-off: 5 AM (BST)
• Venue: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, México
• Broadcast: BBC One (UK), BBC iPlayer (GBR), BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR), BBC Sport (GBR)

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