World Cup 2026: Japan vs Tunisia Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Japan face Tunisia at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on Sunday, kickoff 06:00 CAT, in a Group F fixture which the two camps will enter in very different moods. Japan arrive on a point after a battling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while Tunisia were taken apart 5-1 by Sweden and have already changed coach. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Japan

Japan were excellent against the Netherlands and twice fought back to earn a point, with Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada on target, so in my opinion they carry real confidence into this one. Captain Wataru Endo withdrew injured before the tournament and Ko Itakura now wears the armband, but Hajime Moriyasu still has a settled, European-based spine inTakefusa Kubo, Kamada and Ritsu Doan. A win here would put Japan on four points and leave them in a commanding position to reach the last 16. I expect them to dominate possession and territory against a fragile opponent.

Predicted Lineup: Suzuki; Watanable, Ito, Taniguchi; Nakumura, Sano, Kamada, Doan; Kubo, Ueda, Maeda.

Tunisia

Tunisia could hardly have had a worse start, conceding five goals to Sweden and seeing Sabri Lamouchi dismissed, with Herve Renard appointed on 16 June to steady the ship. A bounce in organisation is possible under a new coach, but the defensive issues that Sweden exposed will not vanish in a few days, and Ellyes Skhiri has a huge job anchoring this midfield. They must win to keep realistic qualification hopes alive, which will force them to commit bodies forward and leaves space in behind. From my point of view that is exactly the kind of game Japan thrive in.

Predicted Lineup: Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Ben Hamida; Skhiri, Khedira; Abdi, Mejbri, Slimane; Saad.

Japan look a class above a Tunisia side that is leaking goals and changed managers on the eve of this match. I expect Japan to control the game and find the goals their attacking quality is capable, while a Tunisia team chasing a result leaves gaps at the back. My forecast: Japan 2 Tunisia 0.

BTTS: No (1.66)

Tunisia managed a single goal against Sweden and now face a Japan side that defended resolutely for long spells against the Netherlands. With a new coach and barely any preparation time, I am backing Tunisia to struggle in the final third again. BTTS: No at 1.66 lines up neatly with a controlled Japan win to nil.