Japan face Tunisia in a Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The AFC and CAF representatives meet at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe on the outskirts of Monterrey, Mexico, in a tactical clash between two technically accomplished sides.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 nations. The format consists of 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides progressing to a round of 32. The competition runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
When is Japan vs Tunisia?
The match is played in the Group F opening round in late June 2026. Kick-off at Estadio BBVA is set for an evening slot local time, with UK viewers facing a very late start given the Mexico-UK time difference.
Where is Japan vs Tunisia?
The game is held at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, in the Monterrey metropolitan area, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Home to Liga MX side Monterrey and known as El Gigante de Acero (the Steel Giant), the stadium opened in 2015 and has a capacity of around 53,500. It is one of three Mexican venues hosting 2026 World Cup matches.
Key Contenders
Japan have become one of Asia’s strongest sides, famously beating both Germany and Spain on their way to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Under Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue feature Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan, backed by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Tunisia return to the World Cup as a regular African qualifier. The Carthage Eagles are built on defensive organisation and the experience of captain Youssef Msakni and midfielder Ellyes Skhiri. Tunisia have appeared at six previous World Cups but never progressed past the group stage.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the BBC and ITV share live coverage with streams via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, Fox Sports broadcasts in English via Fox or FS1, with Telemundo and Peacock providing Spanish-language coverage. Canadian viewers watch via CTV, TSN and RDS. FIFA+ offers selected live streams and highlights globally.
History and Records
Japan and Tunisia have met twice in senior football, including a group stage clash at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Osaka. Japan won that match 2-0. Japan’s best World Cup performance remains reaching the round of 16 on four occasions; Tunisia’s best was their group-stage win over France in 1978 and a draw with Denmark in 2022.
Tickets and Attendance
All 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets are sold through FIFA.com and the official FIFA Ticketing platform. Phased sales windows have covered individual match, venue series and team series packages. An official FIFA resale platform operates for fans unable to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Japan vs Tunisia kick off?
The match forms part of the Group F opening round in late June 2026.
Where is the match being held?
Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe (Monterrey), Mexico.
How can I watch Japan vs Tunisia?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV/TSN in Canada, and FIFA+ internationally.
Who won the last meeting between Japan and Tunisia?
Japan won 2-0 at the 2002 World Cup group stage in Osaka.