World Cup 2026: Yasin Ayari says scoring against his father’s nation, Tunisia, 'was very emotional'

Sweden could hardly have asked for a more convincing opening statement at the World Cup, brushing aside Tunisia 5-1 in Monterrey in a performance that blended ruthless attacking quality with raw emotion. At the centre of it all was Yasin Ayari, whose brace on his tournament debut told a story that went far beyond the scoreline.

Ayari announced himself on the global stage inside seven minutes, arriving on the edge of the box to meet a loose clearance after Viktor Gyökeres’ effort had been blocked on the line.

With the ball bouncing awkwardly 25 yards out, the Brighton midfielder struck cleanly, sending it into the net to open the scoring.

What followed, however, was not the usual eruption of celebration. Ayari stood still, hands raised almost in apology, as his teammates rushed towards him. The restrained reaction reflected a deeply personal conflict: his father, Azzouz, is Tunisian, and the 22-year-old had once been eligible to represent the North African nation.

The weight of that connection was evident, even in victory.

“It’s incredible, a feeling you can’t describe,” Ayari said afterwards. “You’ve dreamed of a lot, but this is something you never dreamed of. It was very emotional to play against Tunisia, who I feel so much for.”

If Ayari’s opener set the tone emotionally, Sweden’s attacking trio ensured the contest quickly became a showcase of power and precision. Alexander Isak and Gyökeres, leading the line in tandem, each added their names to the scoresheet in a dominant first-half display that effectively ended the contest before the break.

Isak’s contribution was the standout moment of pure class. Picking up possession on the left, he glided inside and finished with composure to double Sweden’s advantage, reinforcing why expectations are so high on his shoulders.

Gyökeres soon followed, reacting sharply after Isak’s aggressive pressing regained possession high up the pitch. The finish was instinctive, restoring Sweden’s two-goal cushion after Tunisia briefly threatened to respond.

Together, the pair embodied a system built on intensity, vertical movement and relentless pressure, a structure designed to maximise their complementary strengths.