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| Credit: Getty image |
Tunisia is the first African team eliminated from 2026 FIFA world Cup following heavy defeat to Japan in historic 1,000th match of the tournament
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia became the first African team to be knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the group stages. Their journey ended after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Japan at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, a landmark fixture that officially marked the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history.
After just four minutes in the first half of the match, Daichi Kamada gave the Samurai Blue the lead. Japan quickly imposed their authority and dictated the tempo. They overwhelmed the Tunisian defense, securing a decisive 4-0 victory by the 83rd minute. The remaining goals were scored by Man of the Match Ayase Ueda with a brace (31st and 83rd) and Junya Ito in the 69th minute.
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| Credit : Getty image |
The African side managed only two shots during the entire match, with none on target, compared to the six shots they had against Sweden in the opening group game.
Tunisia are mathematically out of the competition even with a game in hand to play. The Carthage Eagles were already under immense pressure following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden. That loss led to the mid-tournament sacking of head coach Sabri Lamouchi and the emergency appointment of Hervé Renard.
Now, with a game against the Netherlands, coach Renard reiterated that his first assignment with the Tunisia team was to help them in the group stages of the competition. Now that they are eliminated, he is going to stay professional and focused.
Hervé Renard acknowledged that the team is frustrated and lacking motivation after two successive heavy defeats, but charged them to go all out and play the Netherlands game with pride for their country.