Japan denied by millimeters in World Cup 2026 scare against Tunisia

Japan and Tunisia opened the last morning match of the 2026 World Cup in Monterrey with a fast start, as the first goal arrived after just four minutes. But the defining moment came shortly afterward in the first half, when Japan nearly scored again in what looked like a sure goal.

In the 10th minute, after another Japanese chance almost found the net, a cross turned into a close-range attempt on goal. Takahiro Tomiyasu redirected the ball toward the net, but Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen made a huge save. Everyone in the stadium believed it was a goal, and even VAR needed time to review the play.

Goal-line technology later showed why the score was not given, the ball stayed out by only millimeters. Without that technology, the goal would likely have stood. The incident was described as an astonishing near-miss and the key moment of the first half so far.