North & Central America World Cup Qualifiers, Match 2: [Tunisia’s Solid Defense and Quick Counterattacks] Ranked 44th by FIFA… We Can’t Afford to Lose!

Match 2: Tunisia (FIFA Rank: 44)
Broadcast Date & Time: June 21, 1:00 PM – Nippon TV, NHK BS

[Player to Watch] Hannibal Maebri (23)
A young genius playmaker boasting exceptional passing skills

Tunisia is ranked 44th by FIFA. Considered the weakest team in the group, they are an opponent Japan absolutely must defeat. Despite having appeared in the World Cup six times in the past, they have never advanced past the group stage, so Japan’s advantage in both depth and experience is likely unshakable.

That said, complacency is out of the question. Their rock-solid defense—the team’s greatest strength, as evidenced by their clean sheet in all 10 African qualifying matches—cannot be underestimated. For Japan, which struggles against opponents that sit deep and defend, Tunisia has the potential to be a tough opponent. Their average height is also about 3 cm taller than Japan’s, and they are strong on set pieces.In a friendly match in June 2022, Japan suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat to Tunisia.

There are other causes for concern as well. In January of this year, Tunisia dismissed head coach Sami Trabelsi (58), who had led the team to World Cup qualification, and appointed Frenchman Sabri Ramzi (54) as the new head coach.Coach Ramzi previously led African powerhouse Côte d’Ivoire at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they secured a come-from-behind victory over Japan in their opening group stage match. Unlike his conservative predecessor, he is a strategic thinker, and it remains unclear exactly how he will prepare his team for the match against Japan.

The team’s linchpin is playmaker Hannibal Meibri (23). Meibri is a rising star who plays for Burnley in the Premier League. Having been scouted by the prestigious Manchester United while still in his teens, he is in a league of his own domestically.

Tunisia will likely challenge Japan with a defense-first approach aimed at keeping a clean sheet. Within that framework, they are likely planning to center their strategy around Mabry—who possesses both exceptional passing accuracy and tactical awareness—to launch effective counterattacks, capitalize on limited opportunities, and secure the three points.

For Japan, the key will be how to neutralize Meibri. We’re counting on Kaishu Sano (25), a key defensive player who excels at nipping the opponent’s attacks in the bud from midfield.This season, he ranks second in the Bundesliga in duels won and third in total distance covered. His defensive prowess is already world-class. Mabry, meanwhile, showed signs of “inexperience” during this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, committing fouls out of frustration with the intense marking he faced. Sano’s tight marking could prove effective in putting psychological pressure on the opponent as well.

As a key player in attack, I’d highlight Ritsu Doan, who plays as a right wing-back.His direct opponent, left-back Ali Abdi (32), is an attacking player who likes to play high up the field. Whether Doan can exploit the space behind him to maintain dominance on the right flank will likely determine the course of the match.

Considering the difference in ability between the two teams, I predict Japan will take a 1-0 lead, forcing Tunisia to attack, and then add another goal on a counterattack late in the match, resulting in a 2-0 victory for Japan. The key to victory will likely be whether Japan can score the opening goal early on to gain the upper hand.

From the June 19, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”