Sweden launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Group F, with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak driving the performance at Estadio BBVA in front of 50,987 spectators.

It was Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari who provided the most spectacular moments of the evening, netting two long-range thunderbolts — one in the 7th minute and another deep into stoppage time at 90+6' — to bookend an emphatic win for Graham Potter's side.

Ayari sets the tone

Ayari's opener came after Gyokeres' initial effort was cleared off the line, and the midfielder celebrated with a measure of restraint in acknowledgement of his father's Tunisian roots. Sweden did not take long to double their advantage, with Isak finishing composed from close range in the 30th minute after a driving run from near the halfway line, cutting inside onto his right foot before slotting into the bottom right corner.

Gyokeres was the architect, rolling the ball into Isak's path to allow the Liverpool striker to do the damage.

Tunisia respond before the break

Tunisia gave themselves hope just before half-time when Omar Rekik met a cross from Hannibal Mejbri to direct a glancing header into the net in the 43rd minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The response from Sweden was swift — Gyokeres swept home a third from an Isak assist in the 59th minute to restore the two-goal cushion.

Svanberg and Ayari seal the win

Substitute Mattias Svanberg needed just 18 seconds after coming on to add a fourth, though the goal was held up by a VAR review over an offside call. The technology ultimately confirmed that a slight touch from Isak had played Svanberg onside, and the goal stood in the 84th minute.

Ayari then completed his personal highlight reel with a second stunning long-range effort in the 96th minute — this time allowing himself a full celebration — to round off a dominant evening.

Sweden top Group F

The result places Sweden at the summit of Group F. Japan's 89th-minute equaliser on Sunday denied the Netherlands all three points, leaving that contest level at 2-2, which means Sweden hold top spot after the opening round of fixtures.