Sweden vs. Tunisia Match Preview | OneFootball

The final match of this Sunday is the World Cup opener for Sweden and Tunisia. It’s a game that sees two completely contrasting sides face off in what arguably might be the most important game of the group for both. Sweden’s high-powered attack will try to find a way through Tunisia’s rock-solid defense. With so many third place teams advancing to the knockouts, a win for either country here could be enough to book their ticket to the round of 32. It’s the best chance both sides will get to win a group game so expect a tight game.

Match Details

Who: Sweden vs. TunisiaWhat: World Cup Group FWhere: Monterrey Stadium (Estadio BBVA), Guadelupe, MexicoWhen: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PTWatch: FS1, Telemundo, Peacock ES, Fubo Sports

Sweden Playing With House Money After Lucky Qualification

Let’s be honest. Graham Potter’s Sweden are extremely fortunate to be at this World Cup. They became the first team in World Cup history to qualify despite not winning a single game in their group. Sweden lost both games to Switzerland and Kosovo respectively and drew both with Slovenia to finish bottom on a measly two points. Despite this, they were given a lifeline and ran with it. They entered the playoffs thanks to their Nations League performance, getting drawn against Ukraine in the semifinal and the winner of Poland vs. Albania in the final. Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat trick in a 3-1 win over Ukraine then scored the winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland to send Sweden to the World Cup.

The results in their preparation friendlies this summer haven’t exactly inspired confidence either. First was a loss to rivals Norway in a game where they found themselves down 3-0 at halftime. Then came a 2-2 draw with Greece who didn’t even qualify for the World Cup. Sweden thought they had won but conceded an equalizer with the last kick of the match.

The main problem with this Sweden team is the defense. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in over a calendar year, with the last one coming on June 6, 2025 in a friendly against Hungary. The Blågult (Blue and Yellow) play a three-back system and simply don’t have the quality necessary to shut down opposing attacks. Sweden have also struggled to find a starting goalkeeper, shuffling through FOUR of them throughout the qualifying process. Any chance they have at even making it out of the group this summer will come through their attack. Sweden have two world class strikers in Gyökeres and Isak, who will be heavily relied on for goals. The likes of Anthony Elanga on the wing and Daniel Svensson at wingback are good players on paper but haven’t found as much success with the national team as they would’ve hoped.

Tunisia Relying On Stingy Defense

Tunisia are almost polar opposites to their opponents Sweden. The Eagles of Carthage went through World Cup qualifying without conceding a single goal. Sweden only picked up points twice in qualifying, while Tunisia only dropped points once. They are a team that might lack talent compared to most nations in the World Cup, but play together as a cohesive unit. 

Their defensive record has also shown itself in recent friendlies for the most part. They kept clean sheets against CONCACAF World Cup participants Canada and Haiti in March. June wasn’t as successful as Tunisia lost both matches, but they kept it close in a 1-0 loss to Austria. The other result was a 5-0 loss to Belgium, but it was only 2-0 before a red card to Tunisia’s Ismaël Gharbi.

Tunisia will likely be defending in a low block for most of this game. That’s by design for Sabri Lamouchi’s side, who pride themselves on frustrating opposing attackers. Center back duo Omar Rekik and Montassar Talbi will have a big task on their hands as they try to contain Sweden’s prolific striker duo. Going forward, Tunisia will need to capitalize on their moments as they look to hit Sweden in transition. This is a Sweden team that’s very vulnerable to quick counterattacking football, so Tunisia’s wingers will play an important role if they want to escape with a win.

Match Prediction

This will be a fascinating match to watch as two opposing philosophies clash. Sweden will play right into Tunisia’s hands by controlling the ball for most of the game. Tunisia’s chances will come few and far between, but if anyone will allow them to score it’ll be Sweden. The Eagles of Carthage know their only chance of leaving with points are likely a 0-0 draw or 1-0 win. For Sweden, it’s simply a matter of finding a weakness in the low block and relying on the quality of their strikers. Expect a tense and low-scoring game but ultimately the class of Gyökeres will shine through with a second half goal.

Prediction: Sweden 1-0 Tunisia