Tunisia vs Japan prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on June 21, 2026
In the second round of the World Cup on June 21, 2026, a match will be played between the national teams of Tunisia and Japan. Both teams are eager to perform better than in their previous games.
Tunisia vs Japan: Team News and Expert Analysis
Tunisia returned to the World Cup after winning their qualification group, collecting 28 out of a possible 30 points. However, they were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16, losing to Mali on penalties. They also suffered defeats to Austria and Belgium in friendlies in June. Their World Cup campaign started poorly, as they were heavily beaten 1-5 by Sweden. As a result, the coach has already been replaced—Lyamouchi was succeeded by Renard.
Japan comfortably qualified for yet another tournament, topping their group with 23 points from ten matches. They then went on to beat all their opponents in friendlies, including Scotland, England, and Iceland in 2026. In the first round against the Netherlands, they twice came from behind to draw 2-2.
The Africans, with an average of 1.2 goals scored per game, concede slightly more—1.7 goals per match. Their Far Eastern opponents score 1.5 goals on average, while conceding far fewer—just 0.8 per game.
Previous Encounters: Tunisia vs Japan
Japan have won four out of the last five meetings, losing only once, 0-3, in the 2022 Kirin Cup.
It is unlikely that the coaching change will have an immediate effect. The nominal visitors are stronger and are expected to win here (odds – 1.60).
Tunisia vs Japan: Key Statistics and Trends
- Tunisia have lost three matches in a row
- 50% of Tunisia's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.9
- Japan won six times before drawing with the Netherlands
- 30% of Japan's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.3
Tunisia vs Japan: Predicted Starting Lineups
Tunisia play in a 1-5-3-2 formation (probable lineup): Shamah - Ben-Hmida, Rekik, Talbi, Valeri, Skhiri - Khedira, Abdi, Mejbri - Sliman, Saad.
Japan play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (probable lineup): Suzuki - Ito, Taniguchi, Watanabe - Kamada, Sano, Nakamura, Doan - Maeda, Kubo - Ueda. Endo and possibly Kubo are expected to miss the match.
Place a bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's performance in the World Cup standings.
