World Cup Match 2: Tunisia’s Counterattacking Defense Stands Between Japan and Victory

Match 2: Tunisia (FIFA Ranking: 44)
Broadcast: June 21, 1:00 p.m. (JST) — Nippon TV / NHK BS

Player to Watch: Hannibal Mejbri (23)
A gifted young playmaker blessed with exceptional vision and passing ability

Tunisia sit 44th in the FIFA rankings and are widely regarded as the weakest team in Japan’s group. For Japan, this is a match they simply have to win. Although Tunisia have qualified for the World Cup six times, they have never advanced beyond the group stage, and in both squad depth and international experience, Japan clearly hold the advantage.

That said, complacency would be dangerous.

Tunisia’s greatest strength is their defensive organization. They came through all 10 matches of African World Cup qualifying without conceding a single goal, making them a potentially difficult opponent for Japan, who have often struggled against teams that sit deep and defend in numbers. Tunisia also enjoy an average height advantage of roughly three centimeters, making them dangerous from set pieces. Japan were thoroughly beaten 3-0 by Tunisia in a friendly in June 2022.

There are additional concerns.

In January this year, Tunisia dismissed head coach Sami Trabelsi (58), despite guiding the team to World Cup qualification, and appointed French manager Sabri Lamouchi (54) instead. Lamouchi previously managed Ivory Coastat the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where his side came from behind to defeat Japan in the group-stage opener. Unlike his more conservative predecessor, Lamouchi is regarded as a tactical strategist, making it difficult to predict how Tunisia will approach this matchup.

The centerpiece of Tunisia’s attack is Hannibal Mejbri (23).

Currently playing for Burnley in the English Premier League, Mejbri is considered one of Tunisia’s brightest talents. He was signed by Manchester United as a teenager, reflecting the high regard in which he has long been held.

Tunisia are expected to adopt a defense-first approach against Japan. From that solid defensive base, they will likely rely on Mejbri’s outstanding passing range and tactical intelligence to launch efficient counterattacks, hoping to capitalize on the few chances they create and steal all three points.

For Japan, neutralizing Mejbri will be crucial.

The key defensive figure is expected to be Kaishu Sano (25), whose strength lies in breaking up attacks from midfield. This season he ranked second in the Bundesliga in duel victories and third in total distance covered, evidence that his defensive abilities have already reached world-class standards.

Mejbri, meanwhile, has occasionally shown his inexperience. During this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, he became frustrated by intense marking and committed unnecessary fouls. Sano’s tight marking could therefore prove effective not only tactically but psychologically, applying pressure that unsettles Tunisia’s playmaker.

On the attacking side, Japan’s key player will be Ritsu Doan at right wing-back.

His direct opponent, Tunisia’s left-back Ali Abdi (32), is an attack-minded defender who prefers to push high up the pitch. Whether Doan can exploit the space left behind Abdi and establish superiority down Japan’s right flank could have a major influence on the outcome.

Considering the difference in overall quality between the two teams, the most likely scenario is Japan taking an early lead, forcing Tunisia to open up in search of an equalizer, before Japan seals the match with a late counterattacking goal.

Prediction: Japan 2-0 Tunisia.

Scoring first—preferably early—will be the key to controlling the match and securing victory.

From the June 19, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”