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Group F play continues on Sunday as Japan and Tunisia meet in a matchup of two teams looking to right different wrongs from Matchday 1. Japan twice rallied from a goal down to salvage a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, while Tunisia was routed 5-1 by Sweden in a result that cost manager Sabri Lamouchi his job and brought in Herve Renard on short notice.

Kickoff is at 12 a.m. ET in Monterrey. The latest Japan vs. Tunisia odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Japan at -230 (risk $230 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Tunisia at +650 and a draw at +360. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Before locking in any Japan vs. Tunisia picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the Japan vs. Tunisia predictions from SportsLine’s Jon Eimer.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He’s been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. He also enters Saturday on a 19-9-2 run on World Cup picks, returning +460. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Now, Eimer has studied Japan vs. Tunisia and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Japan vs. Tunisia:

Top Japan vs. Tunisia Coast predictions

After examining Tunisia vs. Japan from every angle, Eimer is going Over 2.5 total goals (+104). Eimer can’t say enough good things about Japan, calling them one of the teams he’s most excited to watch in this tournament and one he thinks will exceed expectations. Down a goal twice against the Netherlands, Japan answered both times, a response Eimer says “showed more fight and resilience in 45 minutes than we’ll see other teams play” anywhere else in this competition. He sees a roster full of attacking talent working together as well as any team in the field.

Tunisia, meanwhile, are a team in crisis, according to Eimer. The 5-1 loss to Sweden was historically bad, and the fallout off the pitch, including the non-mutual dismissal of Lamouchi, has left the squad trying to stabilize against the strongest team in the group. Eimer isn’t finding much to like on that side right now, and expects Japan to control this match and the Over to hit. See Eimer’s best bets for Japan vs. Tunisia at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Japan vs. Tunisia Coast at FanDuel here:

How to make Japan vs. Tunisia picks

After studying this matchup from every angle, Eimer has found some critical x-factors and locked in two other best bets that you absolutely need to see. You can head to SportsLine to see them.

So what are the best bets for Japan vs. Tunisia? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Japan vs. Tunisia, all from expert on a 19-9 roll on WC picks, and find out.

Even on a Friday afternoon, the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match between the United States and Australia brought in another impressive audience for Fox and Telemundo.

Fox revealed preliminary numbers on Saturday showing that the USMNT-Australia match averaged 14.781 million viewers, making it the most-watched Friday afternoon telecast on any network since the USMNT-England World Cup match on Black Friday in 2022 (15.38 million viewers).

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The USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia made for the third-most-watched men’s World Cup group stage match. One of those matches was the USMNT’s first game of this World Cup vs. Paraguay, which averaged a record 18.037 million viewers (the preliminary number was 15.986 million).

Additionally, the USMNT-Australia telecast peaked at 19.169 million viewers (4:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET), which is even higher than the preliminary peak audience of 18.86 million reported for the USMNT-Paraguay match.

Japan and Tunisia set to contest landmark 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history/ Image: FIFA

Nearly a century after the first World Cup games in Uruguay, Japan and Tunisia add their names to football history in landmark Monterrey clashWhen Japan and Tunisia walk onto the pitch at Monterrey Stadium on June 21, they will contest the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, a landmark moment in a tournament that has spanned almost a century.From the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 to Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, the competition’s first 999 matches have produced some of the most memorable moments in sporting history. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, the theft of the Jules Rimet Trophy before the 1966 tournament, Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in his final professional match and countless other moments have all contributed to the World Cup’s enduring legacy.Now, Japan and Tunisia have been handed the unique distinction of contesting match number 1,000.The Group F fixture arrives at an important moment in both nations’ campaigns. Japan enter the match after a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Dallas, while Tunisia are looking to recover from a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden in Monterrey. Beyond the points at stake, however, the occasion itself has become one of the defining storylines of the tournament.

A milestone nearly 100 years in the making

The journey to match 1,000 began 96 years ago in Uruguay when the FIFA World Cup opened with two games played simultaneously.One of those contests saw the United States defeat Belgium 3-0, helping launch a tournament that has since grown from a 13-team competition into a global spectacle featuring 48 nations and audiences stretching across every continent.As the tournament expanded, landmark matches became part of its own historical timeline.Match number 200 took place during the 1966 World Cup final, where England secured the only World Cup title in the nation’s history. Match number 900 arrived at the 2018 World Cup final, where France defeated Croatia to claim their second world championship.Several previous milestones have shared the spotlight with another fixture. The first World Cup match, as well as matches numbered 300 and 500, occurred simultaneously with another game taking place at the same time.Match 1,000 stands apart from those occasions.Japan and Tunisia will occupy the stage alone in Monterrey, ensuring the milestone belongs exclusively to one fixture and one occasion.

FIFA creates special celebration for historic occasion

FIFA has chosen to mark the landmark event with a series of special tributes, most notably through the match officials selected to oversee the contest.Romanian referee István Kovács has been appointed to take charge of the match, assisted by compatriots Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica. Costa Rican officials Juan Calderón and Juan Carlos Mora will serve as fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.All four on-field officials will wear commemorative patches displaying the words “Match 1000”, while FIFA has also commissioned a unique adidas referee kit specifically for the occasion.The shirt features gold detailing, gold sleeve stripes and a special patch incorporating both the FIFA World Cup trophy and the number 1,000. The commemorative shirt was formally presented to Kovács in front of his fellow officials before the match and will also be worn by assistant referees Tunyogi and Marica at Monterrey Stadium.

Romanian referee István Kovács poses alongside assistant referees Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica, and fourth official Juan Calderón, with the special Match 1000 shirt/ FIFA

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, explained the thinking behind the initiative.“We decided to create a special match kit to celebrate this match,” Collina said. “It’s a nice one with some golden details, stripes and a patch with the trophy and the number 1,000 on it.”Collina also addressed Kovács’ appointment to the landmark fixture, stressing that the selection was based on the same criteria used for every World Cup match.“We selected the referee that we think is the best referee for this match. And of course, by coincidence, he is also appointed for the 1,000th match. So, for him, it is something extra – something special on top. Refereeing a FIFA World Cup match is always a huge privilege, it’s a great honour,” said the Italian, who officiated the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany during an illustrious refereeing career.“Certainly, becoming part of the history of football – part of the history of the FIFA World Cup, being appointed to and being on the field of play to officiate the match number 1,000 is definitely something extra.”

Kovács takes centre stage on a historic night

For Kovács, the appointment represents another major milestone in a career that has established him among Europe’s most respected referees.The 41-year-old Romanian was part of the officiating team at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, serving as fourth official across eight matches. Although he gained significant World Cup experience during that tournament, the Japan-Tunisia clash will be his first assignment as the main referee at a FIFA World Cup.His selection for such a significant occasion reflects the trust FIFA has placed in him after years of officiating at the highest levels of European football.Collina stressed that the appointment was based on merit rather than symbolism, but acknowledged the additional historical significance attached to the fixture.For Kovács, becoming the referee of match number 1,000 ensures his name will permanently occupy a place within World Cup history.

Players and dignitaries embrace the occasion

The significance of the milestone has not been lost on those directly involved, Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri reflected on the historical weight carried by the fixture and the generations of players who have contributed to the tournament’s story.“Being able to take part in the 1,000th (FIFA) World Cup match is truly symbolic,” Skhiri said. “It makes you appreciate all the history of this competition – the greatest matches, the greatest players who wrote the most incredible chapters in (FIFA) World Cup history.”Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu also spoke about the honour of participating in such a landmark occasion.“It is such an honor to be able to play the 1000th game in World Cup history,” Moriyasu said. “We want to make sure that it is going to be a brilliant game which is going to be worthy of the 1000th game.”The occasion has also attracted several high-profile guests.Japanese Princess Takamado is scheduled to attend the match, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to be present in Monterrey as the World Cup reaches one of its most significant numerical milestones.As Japan and Tunisia prepare to add their own chapter to the tournament’s story, they will do so with the knowledge that their match sits alongside some of the most famous moments the sport has ever produced. Nearly a century after the first World Cup kicked off in Uruguay, the competition’s 1,000th match offers another reminder of how far football’s greatest tournament has travelled and how much history continues to be written every four years.

The notion that one should approach information with a degree of skepticism is often valid, and this applies to the recent stewards’ report regarding Nitro.

While the report suggested that the colt’s ‘manners’ were the reason for his last-start defeat as favourite, trainer Peter Snowden has provided a different explanation for his fourth placing at Randwick over 1400m on June 6.

“There is nothing wrong with his manners, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Snowden confirmed.

“He had head gear and he pulled. All the talk was that we had him up close, we tried that and all he did was pull the whole way. That is not like him and there was a lot of merit in the run.”

The promising three-year-old is set to race in the Schweppes Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, where he is the $3 favourite with bookmakers. Tommy Berry will be riding the son of Deep Field for the first time on race day, having partnered him in two barrier trials leading up to his winning debut.

“The visors have come off him and we’ve put the winkers on just to make him focus,” Snowden explained.

“He’s a lazy horse at home so just so he doesn’t switch off too much but certainly not to be pulling like last time. On the day he just pulled a bit, that’s all.”

Snowden also has Xidaki, a five-year-old gelding, returning from a lengthy spell for the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1200m). The horse is being considered for the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Sunshine Coast on July 4.

The blinkers are being removed from the five-year-old gelding, who is racing for the first time since January 10.

“He’s a very consistent horse but just last few preps have been just below that he normally does,” Snowden stated.

“So, I thought a good long spell might just bring back to his straps. I’ve been happy with his two trials but it does take a while to get them up to peak fitness after a long break. Unfortunately he has drawn a really bad gate (15) but I just want him to show us that eagerness and keenness that he had.”

Those interested in betting on Nitro’s upcoming race can check the latest racing odds at betting sites.

Sophia Dunkley paid tribute to powerhouse all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson after England crept closer to the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a 38-run victory over Scotland.

Dunkley stepped up with a fine 57, albeit after being dropped three times, as she filled in for the injured Nat Sciver-Brunt in front of a crowd of 11,419, a record for a women’s match at Headingley.

But at 141 for five after 17 overs, there was still work to do and Kemp and Gibson duly delivered by plundering 59, including 11 boundaries in the last 17 balls, to lift England to 200 for five.

Kemp’s 39 not out off 16 deliveries and Gibson’s unbeaten 30 off 11 lifted England to a total that was beyond Scotland’s reach as the tournament hosts wrapped up a third victory from three Group B games.

“It was an absolutely amazing partnership and those two are amazing at their roles,” Dunkley said. “Kempy’s got so much power down the ground and Gibbo can hit square. They’re a great combination.

“To have a partnership like that at the end gives us as a top-order a lot of confidence. We can set the game up and then we can go really hard at the back end if we need to, which is great.

“I think we’ve probably lacked a little bit of power at the back end and it’s nice to have some real six-hitters coming in and giving us some momentum.

“They’re such great all-round players and to see a performance like that is really special.”

England likely only need to beat one of the West Indies or New Zealand next week to reach the knockout stages after Dunkley played a key role in her first appearance of the tournament on Saturday night.

She found herself as the odd batter out, effectively nudged out of the XI by Alice Capsey finding form against India before the tournament and Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones selected as England’s openers.

Sciver-Brunt reinjuring her left calf opened up a slot – with Charlie Dean taking on captaincy duties – and Dunkley will retain her spot at number three when England face the Windies at Lord’s on Wednesday.

“It’s never nice and it’s really disappointing,” Dunkley said after missing England’s first two games. “Obviously being here at a home World Cup, you bite your arm off to go and play for England out there.

“It’s been a little bit tough but we’ve got an amazing squad and a lot of depth. We’ve got a great, great squad to get into and it was nice to get out there today.”

Scotland were ragged in the field, with the three drops of Dunkley compounded by repeated errors on the boundary, and although they landed a few punches with the bat, they settled for 162 for seven.

“This was probably the biggest game of the tournament for us and we are just really proud of how we played,” said seamer Hannah Rainey.

“We gave away at least 20 runs in the field. We gave them too many. We didn’t hold ourselves to our standards and that’s how it went.”

The year will be 2076.

The United States of America will be turning 300 years old.

And Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first time we heard about Antetokounmpo being unhappy with the Bucks was back in 2025. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Greek Freak and his representation began conversations with the Bucks to evaluate his fit and future of the organization, which was struggling to support their superstar.

Fast forward to the end of June in 2026 and there’s still no resolution and the situation has gotten increasingly worse.

On Saturday morning, ESPN Milwaukee reported that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to leave Milwaukee – he just wants to leave the Bucks.

This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.

Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.

Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.

During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.

It’s actually pretty easy.

Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.

On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.

Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.

These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.

Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.

The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on.

Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time world champions looked set for a frustrating evening after Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie gave the Elephants the lead in the 30th minute in Toronto.

Germany had earlier seen Aleksandar Pavlovic’s header ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, while Ivory Coast grew in confidence through the lively play of teenager Yan Diomande and winger Amad Diallo.

The breakthrough for the African side came when Diomande found Diallo, whose shot was blocked by Nathaniel Brown. Kessie reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and put Ivory Coast ahead.

Germany continued to push forward but were repeatedly denied. Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed after Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Emmanuel Agbadou in the build-up.

Ivory Coast then missed chances to increase their advantage, with Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie both failing to hit the target when presented with good opportunities.

Those missed chances proved costly as Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench for inspiration.

Undav, who had already made a major impact in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening game, once again delivered when it mattered most.

The Stuttgart striker levelled the score in the 68th minute, finishing calmly from a cross by fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri.

As the match entered stoppage time, Germany completed the comeback. Felix Nmecha played a pass into Undav, who controlled the ball brilliantly before turning and firing past Fofana in the 94th minute.

The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the German players and supporters as Germany booked their place in the last 32.

For Ivory Coast, it was a heartbreaking defeat after a strong performance. However, Emerse Fae’s side still have a chance of progressing from Group E if they defeat World Cup debutants Curacao in their final group match.

Undav’s latest heroics further strengthened his reputation as Germany’s super-sub, having now scored three goals and provided two assists in just two World Cup appearances from the bench.