---
title: "Ueda’s brace, Japan’s firepower bury Tunisia in Qatar opener"
description: "Ayase Ueda’s two-goal haul and a clinical Samurai Blue attack dismantled Tunisia 3–0, sending the Carthage Eagles home early and stamping Japan’s 2026 credentials."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-2026-japan-starts-fast-finishes-strong-as-ayase-3876096b
published: 2026-06-23T14:02:56.48+00:00
updated: 2026-06-23T14:02:56.48+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["soccer"]
---

# Ueda’s brace, Japan’s firepower bury Tunisia in Qatar opener

> Ayase Ueda’s two-goal haul and a clinical Samurai Blue attack dismantled Tunisia 3–0, sending the Carthage Eagles home early and stamping Japan’s 2026 credentials.

Japan announced itself as a 2026 threat with a ruthless 3–0 dismantling of Tunisia in Doha, led by Ayase Ueda’s two-goal salvo and a sharp team performance.

The Samurai Blue struck twice inside the opening 15 minutes, with Ueda converting a rebounded effort in the 4th minute and Ritsu Dōan slotting home a low cross in the 12th.

Japan never looked back, controlling possession and territory while Tunisia struggled to string three passes together.

Ueda capped his night in the 66th, finishing a counter with his weaker right foot after a quick transition, while Doan added a third in stoppage time to seal the rout.

The win officially eliminated Tunisia from knockout-round contention and sent a message to Group C rivals that Japan’s attack is built for deep tournament runs.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu shuffled his lineup, resting key starters, yet the replacements delivered—highlighting the depth that makes this Japan side dangerous.

Japan now faces a winner-takes-all clash against Venezuela on Matchday 2, while Tunisia’s campaign ends in disappointment after failing to contain Ueda’s clinical attack.

Japan 3–0 Tunisia Khalifa International Stadium, Doha November 20, 2026 Attendance: 64,212 Possession: Japan 68% – Tunisia 32% Shots: Japan 18 (9 on target) – Tunisia 5 (1 on target) Yellow cards: Tunisia 3

## Why this matters

This performance confirms Japan as a genuine contender for the 2026 World Cup, with Ueda’s emergence as a world-class striker and a squad capable of grinding out results against elite defenses. Tunisia exits with lessons learned but no answers for teams that can absorb pressure and strike in transition—exactly what Japan did here.

## Frequently asked

### Who scored for Japan against Tunisia?

Ayase Ueda scored twice and set up Ritsu Dōan, who also found the net, as Japan won 3–0.

### Where was the match played?

The game took place at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, before 64,212 fans.

### Does this result eliminate Tunisia from the tournament?

Yes. With this loss, Tunisia cannot advance to the knockout rounds regardless of their final group-stage result.

### What’s next for Japan in Group C?

Japan faces Venezuela on Matchday 2, a match that could decide top spot in the group.

### How did Ueda perform statistically?

Ueda registered two goals and one assist, took nine shots, and completed 87% of his passes in the rout.

## Sources & Citations

- [World Cup 2026: Japan starts fast, finishes strong as Ayase Ueda pairs 2 goals with assist in domination of Tunisia - Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/article/world-cup-2026-japan-starts-fast-finishes-strong-as-ayase-ueda-pairs-2-goals-with-assist-in-domination-of-tunisia-055637472.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-21)

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Cite: Ueda’s brace, Japan’s firepower bury Tunisia in Qatar opener. Sportopod, 2026-06-23. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-2026-japan-starts-fast-finishes-strong-as-ayase-3876096b