Japan's Ayase Ueda scored a brace in a 4-0 victory over Tunisia on June 20, 2026, at the Monterrey Stadium, moving Japan level on points with the Netherlands in Group F. The win marked the first time an Asian nation scored four goals in a single World Cup match.
Ueda's Modest Celebration Stands Out
Ueda, the Eredivisie's leading scorer entering the tournament, scored his first two World Cup goals in the match. Despite the milestone, he celebrated with characteristic restraint. "It's my style, my modesty," Ueda told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. "When I've scored, I hear the fans and their joy. I let that sink in. I also think of my wife who has always supported me."
Match Details: Japan's Dominant Performance
Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute from a Keito Nakamura pass. Ueda doubled the lead in the 31st minute, controlling a long ball from defender Ko Itakura and finishing clinically. Junya Ito made it 3-0 in the 69th minute after Ueda turned provider. Ueda completed his brace in the 83rd minute with a looping header from a Kaishū Sano cross.
Historic Achievement for Japan
The 4-0 victory was Japan's biggest World Cup win and the first time an Asian team scored four goals in a World Cup match. Ueda now has 18 goals in 40 international caps. He was Japan's top scorer in AFC qualifying with eight goals in nine appearances, including a hat-trick against Myanmar and a brace against Syria.
Family at the Heart of Ueda's Journey
According to USA Today, Ueda credits his family for his success. "My family in Japan too," he said. "That I am here now thanks to them. I am very happy when I score, but I especially like that I can make others happy." His father introduced him to football in Mito, Ibaraki.
Group F Standings and Implications
Japan (4 points, +4 goal difference) sits second in Group F behind the Netherlands (4 points, +4 goal difference, but with more goals scored). Sweden has 3 points, while Tunisia (0 points) is eliminated. Japan's final group match will determine if they advance to the knockout stage.
