Two camps who will get their respective World Cup adventures underway in the early hours of Monday, Sweden and Tunisia will meet in Monterrey.
With the 2026 World Cup now officially in full swing, there are a string of intriguing summer betting markets available.
Verdict: Sweden win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS
Sweden
Starting with Sweden, booking their World Cup return in the most dramatic of fashion back in March, Graham Potter’s camp have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine knockout stage charge this summer. However, getting their final stint of their pre-tournament preparations underway with a 3-1 drumming against bitter rivals Norway, the former West Ham boss will have a major headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Despite smelling a golden opportunity to get their World Cup adventure underway with an opening flurry in Monterrey, the Yellows have failed to register a clean sheet from any of their previous 11 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Sweden Team News
While Alexander Isak might have endured a nightmare maiden campaign at Anfield, the former Newcastle marksman has been included in Potter’s squad and should lead the line in Monterey. Crowned as a Premier League champion with Arsenal last month, Viktor Gyokeres could partner Isak in an all-star attack.
Helping Aston Villa to an iconic Europa League title on May 20th, Victor Lindelof will start at the heart of Sweden’s defence on Monday and the ex-Manchester United star will earn a 77th international cap.
Tunisia
As for Tunisia, never booking a World Cup knockout stage ticket in their entire history, the Eagles of Carthage are facing another monumental challenge in North America this summer. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a nightmare display as they slumped to a 5-0 drumming at the hands of European giants Belgium, Sabri Lamouchi’s camp have shown some real cause for concern extending on from their downbeat AFCON adventure over the summer. Crashing out at the Round of 16 following penalty shootout heartbreak against Mali, Tunisia have now notched just a sole win from any of their previous seven appearances across all fronts. It should also be highlighted, the one-time Nottingham Forest boss has not seen his squad find the net in over 350 minutes of action – a run that stems back to a 2-0 victory against Hungary 12 months ago.
Tunisia Team News
Switching his international allegiance to Tunisia back in Match, Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira will make his first official competitive appearance in Monterrey. Opting to take the Eagles of Carthage in a more youthful direction, Lamouchi has included the likes of Raed Chikhaoui, Rayan Elloumi and Omar Rekik.
Despite enduring an injury hit campaign with Championship outfit Norwich City, midfielder Anis Ben Silmane has been included in Tunisia’s squad and should start in the middle of the park on Monday.
Sweden vs Tunisia Key Factors to Consider
- When Sweden and Tunisia last met for a showdown way back in February 2003, the Eagles of Carthage clinched a 1-0 friendly victory.
- Sweden have failed to register a clean sheet from any of their previous 11 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Tunisia have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous seven appearances across all fronts.
- The Eagles of Carthage have failed to find the net in over 350 minutes of action.
- During his maiden campaign with newly-crowned Premier League champions Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres notched 21 goals across all competitions.
Conclusion
If Sweden are to mount a genuine knockout stage charge this month, then Potter’s side will be more than aware that they must get off to a dream start in Monterrey. Despite their extended defensive struggles, the former West Ham boss should be smelling a potential opportunity in the early hours of Monday. Watching Tunisia sign off their pre-World Cup preparations with a nightmare 5-0 drumming at the hands of Belgium last week, the Eagles of Carthage have also failed to find the net in over 350 minutes of action.
Verdict: Sweden win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS
