Sweden Face Tunisia in High-Stakes World Cup Clash: Key Predictions, Tactical Breakdown, and Expected Lineups

Sweden and Tunisia kick off their respective 2026 World Cup journeys on Sunday when they meet at Estadio BBVA in Mexico.

Sweden narrowly avoided embarrassment after a troubled qualification campaign, with UEFA playoff wins over Ukraine and Poland securing their place in this summer's tournament. Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter guided those victories without key striker Alexander Isak, relying heavily on Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres.

Potter will require both players firing on all cylinders against a resolute Tunisia backline, with coach Sabri Lamouchi well known for emphasizing defensive structure over attacking flair. The North Africans will aim to drain the energy from Sunday's contest, which is far from ideal news for neutral supporters.

With challenging fixtures against Japan and the Netherlands ahead, a win here could prove vital to advancing. A third-place finish may be sufficient to reach the knockout stage — something Tunisia has never achieved — but finishing first or second guarantees a more favorable last-32 draw on paper.

Sweden vs. Tunisia Score Prediction

Sweden Edges Tight Affair

Regrettably, this match is unlikely to be a spectacle. Sweden remains an unpredictable side despite their playoff successes, as shown by a loss to Norway and a draw against Greece in pre-tournament friendlies, while Tunisia rarely provides an entertaining watch.

Nevertheless, given the quality the Scandinavians possess compared to their opponents — particularly in the attacking third — they should claim a narrow opening win and take a significant stride toward the knockout rounds, even if a deep run in the tournament seems improbable.

Tunisia likely falls short of the quality needed to make a meaningful impact, despite an impressive qualification campaign.

Prediction: Sweden 1–0 Tunisia

Sweden Predicted Lineup vs. Tunisia

Isak and Gyökeres lead Sweden's attacking line, but Potter's 3-5-2 setup leaves no natural spot for Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga, who has suffered a disappointing debut campaign at St James' Park since his high-profile transfer last summer.

Premier League pair Yasin Ayari and Lucas Bergvall are expected to line up alongside Celtic's Benjamin Nygren in midfield, with Aston Villa's Victor Lindelöf anchoring the defensive unit.

Borussia Dortmund's Daniel Svensson could earn a start at right wing back despite his preference for the opposite flank, while Gabriel Gudmundsson appears set to shake off illness in time to feature.

Sweden predicted lineup vs. Tunisia (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf; Svensson, Ayari, Bergvall, Nygren, Gudmundsson; Isak, Gyökeres.

Tunisia Predicted Lineup vs. Sweden

Tunisia recently brought in German international Rani Khedira, brother of Sami Khedira, and the Union Berlin midfielder is expected to start alongside skipper Ellyes Skhiri. Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri will operate ahead of them in the No.10 role.

Firas Chaouat is vying for a starting berth as the lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 setup, with Elias Achouri and Ismaël Gharbi occupying the wide attacking positions.

Former Arsenal defender Omar Rekik is set to start at the center of defense, with Sheffield Wednesday's Yan Valery expected to feature in the backline alongside Al Abdi and Montassar Talbi, both of whom ply their trade in French club football.

Tunisia predicted lineup vs. Sweden (4-2-3-1): Chamakh; Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Ali Abdi; Khedira, Skhiri; Achouri, Hannibal, Gharbi; Chaouat.

Pick Your World Cup XIs!

What Time Does Sweden vs. Tunisia Kick Off?

How to Watch Sweden vs. Tunisia on TV, Live Stream