Tunisia have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Japan in Monterrey.

The result followed an opening 5-1 loss to Sweden and means Tunisia are now certain to finish bottom of Group F.

Defeat to the Swedes saw the North African side sack coach Sabri Lamouchi and replace him with Herve Renard.

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But the Frenchman was unable to inspire a turnaround, with Ayase Ueda’s double and strikes from Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito sealing an easy win for Japan.

The Netherlands and Japan are now out of reach on four points, while Tunisia are unable to overtake Sweden even if they were to somehow beat the Dutch in their final match.

For the first time, head-to-head records will determine placings when teams finish level on points, so they are unable to finish above Sweden having already lost to them.

Although, the old system of using goal difference would not have done them many favours, with the team conceding nine and scoring once across their two games. It’s all a far cry from qualifying where Tunisia topped their group without conceding a single goal.

That defensive solidity has abandoned them in North America and they join Haiti and Turkey in departing from the tournament after just two games.

Renard had called for his team to be “perfect collectively” ahead of the game but Tunisia were anything but. The 59-year-old coach will lead them in their final group game against the Dutch, but his future remains unclear beyond that.

When he was appointed last week, the Tunisian federation had said: “The agreement also states to open negotiations after the end of participation in the World Cup, for long-term co-operation based on specific sporting goals.”

Whether that translates into a proper contract remains to be seen.

“It is not the performance we were hoping for … The score of this second match is heavy, but it reflects the difference between the two teams tonight,” said Renard, the former Saudi Arabia coach, in the aftermath of Saturday’s loss.

“Even if we are eliminated we still have a third game to play. We are in a World Cup, and we must remain focused. It is important to get ready to fight for this third game against the Netherlands.

“It’s never easy after two losses in two games but we must take our responsibilities to be professionals to the very end.”

Impressive Japan show no mercy

Japan were on top throughout Saturday’s game and showed why many have tipped them for a strong run in the tournament. The match was the 1,000th in Fifa World Cup history and the Samurai Blue marked the occasion in style.

They opened the scoring inside four minutes after a quick counter-attack ended with Crystal Palace’s Kamada stabbing home from close range.

The early blow affected Tunisia and they wilted at the Monterrey Stadium. Japan’s second soon arrived as Feyenoord’s Ueda – top-scorer in Dutch football last season – produced a sublime finish to steer the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Tunisia continued to shrink and were unable to muster much resistance as Japan swarmed forward looking for more goals.

Ito added another when he slid the ball beyond Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after being put through on goal in the 69th minute. Ueda then completed the scoring when he beat Dahmen with a looping header in the closing stages.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu told Dazn: “We didn’t know exactly what the opponents would do, but we didn’t focus too much on them. Instead, we prepared well for what we wanted to do and played aggressively.

“During our preparations, the coaching staff made it clear what we needed to do, and because of that the players were able to perform to their full potential. Many Japanese supporters came here to Monterrey, sang the national anthem with us and cheered us on loudly. Their support was a huge boost for us.”

Japan are now likely to at least progress as one of the best third-placed sides, although they will be eager to nail down an automatic spot when they face Sweden in their final Group F game next Friday.