Kamada scores early goal to give Japan lead against Tunisia in World Cup opener

Daichi Kamada needed just four minutes to put Japan ahead of Tunisia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage clash. The goal, assisted by Keito Nakamura at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, marked the earliest Japan has ever scored in a World Cup match.

Kamada continues his World Cup tear

This wasn’t Kamada’s first moment of brilliance in the tournament. In Japan’s opening fixture, a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, the midfielder rescued his team with a late equalizer. Two matches, two goals.

Japan’s World Cup trajectory

Japan entered the 2026 tournament with legitimate ambitions of advancing deep into the knockout rounds. Their group-stage draw with the Netherlands demonstrated that this squad is not intimidated by pedigree.

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Japan’s approach under coach Hajime Moriyasu has leaned heavily into rapid transitions and aggressive pressing, with set-piece strategies also a recurring theme in their performances.

Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, home to Mexican club Monterrey, provided the backdrop for this particular chapter.

What this means for the tournament picture

With a draw against the Netherlands and an early lead against Tunisia, Japan positioned themselves favorably in their group. Kamada’s tournament has been outstanding through two matches, with a late equalizer against the Dutch and a lightning-fast opener against Tunisia.

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