Tunisia vs. Japan projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group F game in Monterrey

Tunisia and Japan meet on Saturday at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey in a World Cup Group F game that has been turned on its head before a ball is even kicked.

Japan arrive on the back of a battling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and sit level on a point with the Dutch, knowing a win here would put them in firm control of their own destiny.

Tunisia, by contrast, are in crisis: a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden on matchday one cost Sabri Lamouchi his job, and Tunisia will be led out in Monterrey by Herve Renard, appointed on an interim basis to revive their campaign.

Defeat would not mathematically eliminate either side given the expanded tournament and the number of teams progressing from the group, but it would leave the loser staring at an early exit. For Tunisia in particular, anything other than a good result would all but end their hopes.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Tunisia projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 16. A. Dahmen (GK) — 2. Y. Valery, 6. D. Bronn, 3. M. Talbi, 21. A. Abdi — 17. E. Skhiri, 14. R. Khedira — 7. E. Achouri, 8. H. Mejbri, 11. S. Tounekti — 9. E. Saad

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

The big question is how much Renard can change in a matter of days. The Frenchman, who masterminded Saudi Arabia's famous win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, has been handed an almost impossible brief: rebuild a shattered Tunisia side mid-tournament and somehow keep their World Cup alive.

Expect Renard to prioritise structure after the Sweden defeat, tightening up a back four and asking captain Ellyes Skhiri to anchor midfield alongside Rani Khedira. The hope is that Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri can provide a spark in the No. 10 role, with Sebastian Tounekti and Elias Achouri offering pace in transition. A new-manager bounce is exactly what Tunisia are praying for.

Japan projected starting 11

(3-4-2-1, right to left): 12. Z. Suzuki (GK) — 16. T. Tomiyasu, 22. K. Itakura, 26. H. Ito — 14. J. Ito, 15. D. Kamada, 17. A. Tanaka, 9. K. Nakamura — 11. T. Kubo, 8. R. Doan — 19. A. Ueda

• Injured: W. Endo (foot)
• Suspended: None

Hajime Moriyasu's biggest issue is how to convert good performances into wins against Europe's best, having battled to a draw against the Netherlands.

Japan are without Kaoru Mitoma, arguably their finest player, who misses the tournament with a hamstring injury, but there is real quality to step up in his absence. Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan, a man for the big occasion at Qatar 2022, will operate behind Ayase Ueda. Against a wounded Tunisia, this is a game Moriyasu's side are expected to seize.

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Tunisia vs. Japan predictions, betting odds

Japan are clear favourites, and with good reason. They have the better players across the pitch, the momentum of a creditable draw with the Netherlands and a settled system under Moriyasu. Tunisia, meanwhile, are in chaos, beaten 5-1 last time out and now relying on a coach who has had only days to imprint his ideas.

• Score prediction: Tunisia 0-2 Japan

Tunisia vs. Japan World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Tunisia vs. Japan World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Tunisia World Cup roster

Interim head coach: Herve Renard

Japan World Cup squad

Head coach: Hajime Moriyasu

In USA:

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: