You could say Ayari provided the story of the piece in Sweden’s 2026 World Cup opener in Monterrey, but then he had the good sense not to celebrate. He pointed to his Tunisian background as why, and in doing so, gave the 5-1 result a kind of class and feeling you don’t see every day.
Why there was no fanfare from Ayari
It was on purpose. With his father hailing from Tunisia, the 22-year-old let that be known by holding back, even when he was the one giving Sweden an advantage in what was a must-win in Group F.
He is a product of Solna, having been born and brought up in Sweden (6 October 2003). But with some Moroccan and Tunisian in him, the Brighton & Hove Albion man was in the running for the North Africans before he put his name on the line for Sweden, working his way up from the youth setup to make his senior bow in 2023.
In short, here is why he didn’t:
– His dad is from Tunisia
– A matter of respect for the family link
– He made his choice to be with Sweden after coming through their system
A goal for the ages in Monterrey
The finish was no-look simple. Lindelof put in a long one and Chamakh had to come for it, only for the ball to drop to Gyokeres. Talbi put in a block, but the loose ball was all Ayari, and he put one in the top corner from well outside the area.
It was up in the seventh, the second-quickest of the 2026 World Cup. You would have expected a bit more of a reaction from something like that, but he just put his hands up and let the lads come at him. Very composed.
Some in the stands were already calling it one of the prettiest goals of the tournament, and you can see why when you watch how he put it through the ball.
Sweden in charge, Tunisia fighting back
Ayari opened the door, but Isak made sure they stayed in control. Nygren got the ball back, Gyokeres let it run off his chest and to Isak, who went hard down the left, came in and made it 2-0 past Chamakh.
If you were following the live feed, you saw how quickly Sweden are moving the ball now. But Tunisia put up a fight before the whistle, with a move that put some pressure on the Swedish defence.
Mejbri put in a cross after a throw was worked out wide and Rekik was there to nod it over Nordfeldt. 2-1 and the game was still on as they went in for the break.
Not for long. After half-time, Sweden put it to bed and made it 5-1. Ayari put one in the fifth minute of added time in the second to complete his two for the 15 June in Mexico.
Where this leaves them
More than a win, it was a statement. To have an impact from start to finish, and to show such deference to your father’s country on the world’s biggest pitch, is something to be admired.
For a 22-year-old in his maiden World Cup, it says as much about his head as his feet. The Brightoner has made his presence felt in Group F, with a level of calm to go with the quality in front of goal.
They are leaving Monterrey with a lot of good will and a 5-1 to their name. With Ayari the way he is, you can be sure the bar has been set for the remainder of the World Cup.
