- Sweden have scored ten goals in their last five matches with Viktor Gyoekeres netting five of them, making him the best forward in the team.
- Tunisia have conceded 15 goals in their last eight away games - an average of 1.88 per game, including a 5-0 defeat to Belgium in their most recent trip.
- Sweden have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five, beating Poland 3-2 at home in their final World Cup qualifier.
Potter's possession play meets Lamouchi's pragmatic system
The Group F opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a tactical chess match of Sweden's possession and width against Tunisia's compactness and pragmatism. Graham Potter has brought a more controlled, patient possession game to Sweden's build-up play since taking charge of the team in October 2025 and has some flexibility in the shape to stretch opponents wide or through the centre.
However, the key to Sweden's success will be the contributions of Viktor Gyoekeres, whose pace and clinical finishing has been a major factor in Sweden's recent games, and Emil Forsberg, who remains a focal point and set-piece specialist. Sweden have been far more solid at the back, conceding eight goals in their last five home games but this will be played in Monterrey Stadium, Mexico.
Sabri Lamouchi has given Tunisia the ability to stay in games because of his team's defensive discipline and structure since taking over in January 2026. They will sit back in a low or medium block and look to frustrate Sweden for as long as possible before hitting on the counter-attack or in set-pieces.
Both teams to score the way to go
Youssef Msakni is the most talented playmaker in the Tunisia side and always looks to transition his team forward, while Hannibal Mejbri adds energy and ball-winning ability in the middle third. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane will also provide a drive from box to box and is a threat on set-pieces.
Alexander Isak adds pace and technicality to the front line and can cut through compact defences with his movement and touches. He's not in the form of Gyoekeres, who can run at the defence and score as well as providing a clinical finishing option.
Potter's tactical flexibility and control of the ball seems to have made Sweden a better team overall and they should edge Tunisia out in a tactical contest, but the odds of 17/20 are a bit short considering Tunisia are not a bad side.
Both teams to score should be the best bet with odds of 51/50 available, but it's likely to be a cagey, low-scoring affair with Under 2.5 goals coming in at 33/50.
