Sweden begin their latest FIFA World Cup campaign aiming to continue an impressive record of progressing beyond the group stage, while Tunisia look to end a long-standing struggle at football’s biggest tournament when the sides meet in their Group F opener.

Sweden Looking to Extend Impressive World Cup Record

Sweden’s path to the 2026 World Cup was anything but straightforward. After finishing bottom of their qualification group, the Scandinavians were handed a second chance through their performances in the UEFA Nations League.

They took full advantage of that opportunity by defeating both Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs to secure their place at the finals. However, momentum has slowed somewhat since then, with Sweden failing to win either of their pre-tournament warm-up matches, drawing one and losing one.

Despite those concerns, history offers encouragement. Sweden have lost only two of their 12 previous opening matches at World Cups, winning five and drawing five. Furthermore, they are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for a fifth consecutive World Cup, underlining their reputation as a nation that consistently performs well on the global stage.

Tunisia Chasing a Long-Awaited Breakthrough

Tunisia arrive at their third successive World Cup facing familiar questions about whether they can finally break their group-stage curse. The Eagles of Carthage have never progressed beyond the first round and are seeking to avoid a seventh consecutive group-stage elimination.

Recent form offers mixed signals. Tunisia lost both of their June friendlies without scoring a goal, culminating in a worrying 5-0 defeat against Belgium in their final warm-up match.

However, those setbacks should not overshadow an outstanding qualifying campaign. Tunisia collected 28 points from a possible 30, scored 22 goals and remarkably failed to concede a single goal throughout qualification. That defensive resilience will be vital if they are to challenge Sweden and their other Group F opponents.

While Tunisia have historically struggled against European opposition at World Cups, winning just one of 12 such encounters, they can draw confidence from the fact that their sole victory came in their most recent World Cup meeting with a European side.

Head-to-Head

Goals have been at a premium in previous meetings between these nations, with only five goals scored across four encounters.

Sweden hold the advantage in the head-to-head record, having won two, drawn one and lost one of those matches.

Key Statistics

• Sweden have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 11 matches.
• Only one of Sweden’s last six World Cup matches has seen both teams score.
• Tunisia have conceded nine of their last ten goals after half-time.
• Six of Tunisia’s last seven World Cup matches have been decided by a margin of one goal or less.

Players to Watch

Viktor Gyökeres arrives at the tournament full of confidence after helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title. The Swedish striker scored four goals across the play-off victories over Ukraine and Poland, while six of his last seven international goals have come after the interval.

For Tunisia, Hazem Mastouri could be a key figure. Three of his four international goals have opened the scoring, making him a potential threat in the early stages of the contest.

Team News

Sweden have several fitness concerns heading into the match. Victor Lindelöf and Anthony Elanga both missed the recent friendly against Greece, while Benjamin Nygren was forced off injured during that fixture.

Tunisia are also monitoring midfielder Hannibal, who missed the defeat to Belgium after being substituted during the previous friendly against Austria.

Prediction

Neither side arrives in ideal form, but Sweden possess greater experience at this level and have consistently found ways to navigate the group stage in recent tournaments. Tunisia’s defensive record in qualifying deserves respect, although their recent friendly performances raise concerns.

Expect a competitive encounter with chances at both ends, particularly given Sweden’s ongoing struggles to keep clean sheets.

Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Tunisia

Betting Angle

Sweden’s inability to shut opponents out and Tunisia’s need to chase a positive result make Both Teams to Score an appealing selection. The statistics suggest opportunities should arise for both attacks in what could be a closely fought opening fixture.