Sweden got off to a great start in their FIFA World Cup Group F tie against Tunisia at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on 15 June, with midfielder Yassin Ayari producing a brilliant effort to break the deadlock in the seventh minute.

FIFA World CupSweden vs Tunisia: Update

The 22-year-old scored the second fastest goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area. The chance came from a long ball from Victor Lindelof, which Tunisian goalkeeper Chamakh advanced from his line to stop. However, the goalkeeper could only divert the ball into the path of Victor Giocares.

Gyökeres’ effort was blocked by Tunisia defender Montaser Talbi, but the loose ball fell to Ayari just outside the box. The midfielder took one touch before unleashing a powerful drive that rocketed into the top corner, giving Chamakh no chance and giving Sweden an early lead.

Despite scoring one goal so far in the tournament, Ayari chose to celebrate. Instead, he raised his arms in the air and remained calm while teammates rushed to congratulate him.

Why didn’t Ayari celebrate against Tunisia?

Ayari’s restrained response immediately attracted attention, especially given his family ties to Tunisia.

Born in Solna, Sweden, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is of Moroccan and Tunisian heritage. His father is Tunisian, meaning Ayari was eligible to represent the North African nation before committing his international future to Sweden.

The midfielder progressed through Sweden’s youth ranks before making his senior international debut in 2023. Although he ultimately chose to represent Sweden, his connection to Tunisia remains an important part of his background.

His reaction is reminiscent of players who refuse to celebrate after scoring against former clubs, instead choosing to show respect for a team or community that holds personal importance.

Sweden ahead in Monterrey

Sweden continued to threaten after taking the lead and eventually doubled their lead through Alexander Isak.

The move began inside Sweden’s own half when Benjamin Nygren won possession near his own penalty area and launched a long clearance upfield. Gyöckeres expertly controlled the ball on his chest before curling it around the corner into the path of Isak.

As he approached the Tunisia penalty area, the striker broke down the left flank, cut inside and fired a low shot that went past Chamakh to make the score 2–0.

However, Tunisia refused to fold and found a way back into the contest before half time. After a long throw into the box, the ball was headed wide, before Hannibal Mejbri delivered a lovely cross into the six-yard area. Defender Rakic ​​responded with a superb header that beat Robin Olsen’s replacement Christopher Nordfelt and reduced the deficit to 2–1.

This goal breathed new life into the Group F match and ensured that Tunisia remained firmly in the contest until the second half.

While Sweden held the lead at the break, the opening 45 minutes belonged to Ayari, whose spectacular strike and emotional reaction provided one of the most memorable moments of the World Cup so far.

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