The young Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari emerged as the unexpected star of Sweden’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, scoring a brilliant brace against his father’s native country to spark Sweden’s historic 5-1 World Cup rout of Tunisia on Sunday in Monterrey.
Ayari, who was born to a Tunisian father and Moroccan mother in Solna, did not celebrate his first goal — an outstanding half-volley from outside the box — and simply held up his hands as his teammates mobbed him, showing respect for his father’s homeland. His second goal, which came in stoppage time, was also scored from outside the box, but this time Ayari celebrated enthusiastically, sealing a memorable evening.
The Match That Shook Group F
Sweden launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their Group F opener, extending their unbeaten run in opening World Cup matches to five games. At Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Graham Potter’s side demonstrated their prowess with a performance that left Tunisia’s defenders and goalkeeper helpless.
The Swedish national team made a powerful start at the World Cup, thrashing Tunisia 5-1 in what will be remembered as one of the most dominantopening match performances in World Cup history.
Ayari’s Double: Two Long-Range Stuns
The 22-year-old Brighton midfielder was the undisputed architect of this win, scoring two sublime goals from long range. Both finishes flew into the corners with venom, leaving the Tunisia goalkeeper helpless to do anything.
Ayari initiated the scoring for Sweden in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and sending the ball into the top corner. This goal was the young midfielder’s first at international level and made him the youngest Swedish goalscorer at the World Cup since 1990.
In the dying moments of the game, Ayari put the seal on a memorable evening with a venomous effort that powered beyond Tunisia’s despairing goalkeeper in the 99th minute, completing his brace with another fantastic finish from outside the box.
Superstars Join the Party: Isak and Gyökeres Shine
Superstar forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also got on the scoresheet alongside Mattias Svanberg, making it a team performance rather than just a one-man show.
The Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was on target and set up another goal for Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres. Isak provided the assist for Gyökeres, who scored the third goal with one goal and two assists. Gyökeres recorded a goal and an assist, proving excellent all night.
Mattias Svanberg added a fourth goal with a composed finish inside the area, turning a comfortable win into a statement victory.
The Personal Story: Ayari vs His Father’s Heritage
The match carried deep personal significance for Ayari, who chose to represent Sweden despite having a Tunisian father. The emotional weight of playing against his father’s native country was evident in his modest celebration of the first goal.
“He chose Sweden, but Tunisia is still in his heart,” said one Swedish fan who has followed Ayari’s career. “That first goal celebration showed respect. The second goal celebration showed he’s proud to be Swedish.”
Coach Graham Potter said the Brighton midfielder isn’t a hidden commodity on the global scene, praising his performance as a testament to his growing talent.
Group F Dominance: Sweden Takes Control
Sweden takes control of Group F with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia. The result puts Sweden in the top position in Group F, setting them up perfectly for their remaining matches in the tournament.
They settled into a rhythm quickly, and Ayari put Graham Potter’s side ahead with a strike from distance inside seven minutes. Sweden showcased a dominant performance, defeating Tunisia 5-1, highlighting the team’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
World Cup Return: Sweden’s Authoritative Statement
Sweden announced their return to the FIFA World Cup in authoritative fashion on Sunday night, battering Tunisia 5-1 at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. It was a perfect 5-1 start to their World Cup campaign, turning a comfortable win into a statement victory that sent shockwaves through Group F.
Ayari’s stunning double in stoppage time grabbed the headlines as Sweden celebrated a perfect start, with both goals coming from outside the penalty area — a rare feat for a midfielder in World Cup history.
