The Eredivisie star scored twice against Tunisia at the World Cup, but the Japanese international says the moment he scored didn’t really affect him. Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup provided yet another statement from a team that continues to look like one of the most exciting teams in the tournament. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring, Junya Ito added another later in the period, and Ayase Ueda produced a clinical goal as the Samurai Blue went level on points with the Netherlands in Group F.Yet while Ueda’s goals helped propel Japan to the knockout stages, the 27-year-old remains one of the most unknown of the tournament’s leading players.Ueda arrived at the World Cup as the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie and extended that record again against Tunisia, scoring his first two World Cup goals in one game. You’d expect a lot of excitement on a big football pitch, but what he did when he found the back of the net was different from the wild celebrations that usually accompany goals at this level.There were no haphazard performances, no performances for the crowd and no attempt to turn on himself. Instead, Ueda responded in the same manner that has become famous throughout his career, giving a quiet expression of thanks before returning his attention to the match.
Japan’s Ayase Ueda, left, and Daichi Kamada celebrate after Ueda scored their second goal during the Group F World Cup soccer match between Tunisia and Japan in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Sofia Yaker)
Speaking earlier in an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Ueda explained why these times are different for him.“It’s my style, my humility,” Ueda said. “When I score, I feel the fans and their joy. I let it sink in. I also think about my wife who has always supported me.”
A drama that helped create a historic night in Japan
Although the celebrations were forbidden, Ueda’s contribution against Tunisia was understandable, not because of his final character but because the goals represented a personal experience on the biggest stage of football.The two strikes against Tunisia were the first FIFA World Cup goals of Ueda’s career. Although he attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and made his debut in Japan’s team match against Costa Rica, where he played 45 minutes, he left the tournament without scoring. His victory came four years later in what was also the 1,000th match in World Cup history.Japan established an early lead in the match at Monterrey Stadium when Keito Nakamura provided a precise pass to Daichi Kamada, who calmly converted in the fourth minute to give Hajime Moriyasu’s side an immediate advantage.Japan’s second goal came in the 31st minute and showed the qualities that have made Ueda one of Europe’s most successful players. Defender Ko Itakura delivered a long ball in the penalty area, allowing Ueda to make a good run, beat the Tunisian defence, control the ball and finish past the goalkeeper.
Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen fails to stop Japan’s Ayase Ueda from scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
The match continued to tilt heavily towards Japan as the second half began. In the 69th minute, Ueda converted a donor, giving Junya Ito Japan’s third goal of the evening before getting back on the scoresheet in the final minute.Ayase Ueda’s second goal of the match in the 83rd minute saw Japanese midfielder Kaishū Sano drive forward from the middle as Samurai Blue made a breakthrough down the right, playing dangerously and opening up the Tunisian defence. Sano then delivered a powerful cross to the far post, where the Feyenoord striker rose to the top of his marker, made a brilliant dive, beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and the defenders into the net to complete his heroics and give Japan a 4-0 win.
Japan’s Ayase Ueda, center, scores his fourth goal with a header against Tunisia during a World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The result had more than three points of significance. Japan became the first Asian nation in FIFA World Cup history to score four goals in a single World Cup match, bringing another victory to their burgeoning campaign.The performance continued the rich form that had already established Ueda as one of Japan’s most important players prior to the tournament. The Feyenoord player enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 38 caps and 16 international goals for Japan. Following appearances against the Netherlands and Tunisia, including his win against the finalists, Ueda’s international record now stands at 40 games and 18 goals for the Samurai Blue.His influence was particularly evident during the right campaign in Japan. Ueda finished as the Samurai Blue’s leading scorer in AFC qualifying, scoring eight goals in nine games. Highlights included a hat-trick against Myanmar in the opening round of qualifying and a brace against Syria as Japan secured their place in the final.He also took an interest in the game from the international games he led. Ueda scored twice in Japan’s World Cup build-up, including the match-winning header in Brazil’s shock 3-2 win in Tokyo, further cementing his importance to Moriyasu’s squad.
Family is at the center of Ueda’s football journey
According to USA Today, Ueda’s attitude towards scoring is closely related to his upbringing in Mito, Ibaraki, and the dedication that surrounds him in his development as a soccer player.Instead of seeing goals as something a person can achieve, he sees them as moments of people who helped him reach the highest level of the game.His father played a major role in introducing him to football, while his extended family provided support throughout the years it took for him to progress from a promising youngster to an international contender for the World Cup.That history continues to shape the way he navigates success.“My family in Japan too,” Ueda said. “That I am here now because of them. I am very happy when I score, but most of all I like that I can make others happy.”
Ayase Ueda of Japan celebrates scoring his second goal against Tunisia during a World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
To fans watching from the stands or on television, the festival may seem smaller than most popular football festivals.For Ueda, however, the hands serve a specific purpose.This time is not reserved for anyone to know. It’s a tribute to family at home, teammates on the field, supporters at the stadium and everyone who helped on the journey that brought him to the World Cup.Even after scoring his first World Cup goals and helping Japan produce a historic result, his performance did not change. The words were calm, the hands were restrained, but the meaning showed many years of gratitude to those who helped him reach this level.
Japan will strengthen their position in Group F
Tunisia’s victory boosted Japan’s position as one of the most competitive teams in the world.The Netherlands are currently top of Group F with four points and a four-goal difference, given their chances of winning as they scored seven goals compared to Japan’s six. The two countries remain level on points after a 2-2 draw at the start of the tournament.
Japanese players greet their supporters after the World Cup Group F soccer match between Tunisia and Japan in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Addison Simmons)
Japan is in second place, with four points and four goal difference. Sweden remain in the competition with three points, while Tunisia’s second defeat leaves them at the bottom of the group with zero points and officially eliminated from the competition.As the qualification race enters its final stages, Japan’s chances of reaching the knockout stages have been greatly increased.For Ueda, meanwhile, another productive night at the World Cup brought more proof of his importance to the national team. The goals against Tunisia were not his first at the World Cup, but the latest head of scoring to come from the tournament itself.
