Sweden vs Tunisia: Match Preview

Sweden kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia and they look the stronger side on paper. Their run through UEFA playoffs included a 3-2 win over Poland and a 3-1 victory against Ukraine back in March, while the recent friendlies showed mixed results with a 2-2 draw against Greece and a 1-3 loss to Norway.

Tunisia arrive after a narrow 0-1 defeat to Austria and a goalless draw with Canada. They qualified unbeaten and without conceding in CAF, yet their attack has looked blunt in recent outings. The match sits in Group F at Monterrey Stadium and both sides want a positive start.

Sweden miss Dejan Kulusevski through a knee injury along with Emil Holm and Gustav Lundgren. That leaves Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as the main threats up front. A possible lineup features Nordfeldt in goal, Lindelof and Starfelt at centre back, and Elanga pushing forward from midfield.

Tunisia rely on Hannibal Mejbri's creativity in the middle and the experience of captain Ellyes Skhiri. Elias Achouri offers width. Their last five games produced just one goal, so containing Sweden's front two will be the priority.

Head-to-head meetings stretch back decades with Sweden holding the edge in those old friendlies. This encounter feels different though, a proper World Cup group opener where Sweden's attacking quality should tell. Expect Isak and Gyokeres to create problems for a Tunisia defence that has not faced this level of pressure lately.

Graham Potter's side qualified via playoffs and return to the tournament for the first time since 2018. They carry more momentum into this fixture despite the odd friendly setback. Tunisia have the organisation but lack the cutting edge shown by their opponents in qualifying.