Tunisia head into this World Cup Group F clash with Japan at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey already on the brink. They've dropped their opening match 1-5 to Sweden and now sit on zero points after one game with a goal difference of minus four.
Japan earned a point from their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. Their recent record includes that result plus friendly wins over England and Scotland by 1-0 margins. The visitors look the steadier side right now.
These teams last met in a 2023 friendly that Japan won 2-0. No fresh meetings exist in the current season. Tunisia's form has been grim with losses to Belgium 0-5 and Austria 0-1 sandwiching a goalless draw against Canada.
Tunisia report no confirmed injuries or suspensions. Japan will be without Kaoru Mitoma who suffered a torn hamstring before the tournament. Ellyes Skhiri captains the Tunisians from midfield while Hannibal Mejbri offers their main attacking spark alongside defender Ali Abdi. Takefusa Kubo carries Japan's threat in attack with Ayase Ueda in good club form and support from Daichi Kamada plus Keito Nakamura.
Japan should take the points here. Their unbeaten run gives them the edge to strengthen their knockout hopes while Tunisia must win to stay alive after that heavy opening defeat.
Recommended Bets
Japan to win @1.85 — They hold better recent results and Tunisia sit bottom after a 5-1 loss.
Japan -0.5 handicap @2.00 — Tunisia have conceded heavily in their last two matches and Japan remain unbeaten.
Under 2.5 goals @1.90 — Both sides have shown control in recent fixtures with limited scoring output.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
