Ayari haunts parents’ homeland as Sweden crush Tunisia in World Cup opener

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Yasin Ayari enjoyed a dream start to his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, scoring twice against Tunisia — the country of his parents — as Sweden powered to a resounding 5-1 victory in their Group F opener.

The 22-year-old midfielder found himself at the centre of an emotional and memorable night, helping his adopted nation make a major statement on the world stage with a performance that combined quality, composure and ruthless finishing.

Ayari wasted little time making his mark, opening the scoring after just seven minutes to give Sweden the perfect start. He was so emotional that he didn’t celebrate the goal. The early goal set the tone for a dominant Swedish display as Alexander Isak doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark.

Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Omar Rekik headed home off a Mesbri Hannibal cross shortly before half-time, but Sweden’s superiority became increasingly evident after the break. Viktor Gyökeres restored the two-goal cushion in the 59th minute before substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth six minutes from time and with his first touch off the bench.

With the match already won, Ayari delivered the final blow deep into stoppage time, calmly scoring his second goal of the night in the 96th minute to complete Sweden’s emphatic 5-1 triumph.

Born and raised in Sweden to Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother, Ayari was eligible to represent either nation internationally. The Brighton midfielder ultimately chose to wear the blue and yellow of Sweden, and against Tunisia he produced one of the standout individual performances of the opening round of the World Cup.

His brace not only helped Sweden secure the biggest victory in Group F so far, but also underlined his growing importance to a Swedish side aiming to make a deep run in the tournament.

For Ayari, it was a night of mixed emotions — scoring twice against the homeland of his family — but one that he will remember forever as Sweden launched their World Cup journey in spectacular fashion.