Why didn't Sweden's Yasin Ayari celebrate after scoring a thunderbolt against Tunisia?
Sweden made the perfect start to their FIFA World Cup Group F clash against Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 15, with midfielder Yasin Ayari producing a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock in the seventh minute.
FIFA World Cup, Sweden vs Tunisia: Updates
The 22-year-old scored the second-fastest goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area. The chance originated from a long ball forward by Victor Lindelof, which Tunisia goalkeeper Chamakh rushed off his line to intercept. However, the goalkeeper could only divert the ball into the path of Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres’ effort was blocked by Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi, but the loose ball fell kindly to Ayari just outside the box. The midfielder took a touch before unleashing a thunderous drive that rocketed into the top corner, giving Chamakh no chance and handing Sweden an early advantage.
Despite scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far, Ayari opted against celebrating. Instead, he raised his arms in the air and remained composed as teammates rushed over to congratulate him.
WHY AYARI DIDN’T CELEBRATE AGAINST TUNISIA?
Ayari’s restrained response immediately attracted attention, particularly given his family connections to Tunisia.
Born in Solna, Sweden, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is of Moroccan and Tunisian heritage. His father is Tunisian, meaning Ayari was eligible to represent the North African nation before committing his international future to Sweden.
The midfielder progressed through Sweden’s youth ranks before making his senior international debut in 2023. While he ultimately chose to represent Sweden, his connection to Tunisia remains an important part of his background.
His reaction was reminiscent of players who decline to celebrate after scoring against former clubs, choosing instead to show respect for a team or community that holds personal significance.
SWEDEN LEAD IN MONTERREY
Sweden continued to threaten after taking the lead and eventually doubled their advantage through Alexander Isak.
The move began deep inside Sweden’s own half when Benjamin Nygren won possession near his penalty area and launched a long clearance upfield. Gyokeres expertly controlled the ball ON his chest before cleverly volleying it around the corner into Isak’s path.
The striker burst down the left flank, cut inside as he approached the Tunisia penalty area and fired a low shot that squeezed through Chamakh to make it 2-0.
Tunisia, however, refused to fold and found a way back into the contest before half-time. Following a long throw into the box, the ball was recycled out wide before Hannibal Mejbri delivered an inviting cross into the six-yard area. Defender Rekik met it with a glancing header that beat Robin Olsen’s replacement Kristoffer Nordfeldt and reduced the deficit to 2-1.
The goal breathed new life into the Group F encounter and ensured Tunisia remained firmly in the contest heading into the second half.
While Sweden held the advantage at the break, the opening 45 minutes belonged to Ayari, whose stunning strike and emotional reaction provided one of the most memorable moments of the World Cup so far.
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