Explanation: Why Japan striker Ayase Ueda just celebrated despite scoring his first 2 World Cup goals in one game | Football news
The Eredivisie’s leading goalscorer struck twice against Tunisia at the World Cup, but the Japan striker says the moments after scoring are never really about him. Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another statement performance from a side that continues to emerge as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring, Junya Ito added another after the interval, and Ayase Ueda produced a clinical brace as the Samurai Blue moved level on points with the Netherlands in Group F.Yet while Ueda’s goals helped guide Japan to the knockout stage, the 27-year-old forward remains one of the most underrated figures among the tournament’s top scorers.Ueda arrived at the World Cup as the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie and reinforced that reputation again against Tunisia, scoring his first two World Cup goals in a single match. You might expect a wild celebration on football’s biggest stage, but his reaction after finding the net was in contrast to the increasingly elaborate celebrations that often accompany goals at this level.There were no choreographed routines, no theatrical gestures to the crowd, no attempt to turn the spotlight entirely on himself. Instead, Ueda responded in the same manner he has become familiar with throughout his career, offering a calm gesture of appreciation before quickly returning his focus to the match.
Japan’s Ayase Ueda, left, and Daichi Kamada celebrate after Ueda scored his second goal during the World Cup Group F 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 those moments matter differently to him.“It’s my style, my modesty,” Ueda said. “When I scored, I heard the fans and their joy. I let it sink in. I also thought of my wife who always supported me.”
A show that helped shape a historic night for Japan
While the celebrations were restrained, Ueda’s contribution against Tunisia was decisive, not only because of the quality of his finishing, but because the goals represented a personal milestone on football’s biggest stage.The two strikes against Tunisia were the first FIFA World Cup goals of Ueda’s career. Although he participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and made his debut in the tournament in Japan’s group match against Costa Rica, where he played 45 minutes, he left that competition without scoring. His breakthrough finally came four years later in what was also the 1000th match in World Cup history.Japan established control of the match early on at the Monterrey Stadium when Keito Nakamura provided a precise pass for Daichi Kamada, who calmly converted in the fourth minute to give Hajime Moriyasu’s side an immediate lead.Japan’s second goal came in the 31st minute and showed the qualities that have made Ueda one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Defender Ko Itakura delivered a pinpoint long-range ball into the penalty area, allowing Ueda to finish his run perfectly, beat the Tunisian defensive line, bring the ball under control and finish clinically beyond the goalkeeper.
Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen fails to prevent Japan’s Ayase Ueda from scoring his team’s second goal during a 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 in Japan’s favor as the second half unfolded. In the 69th minute, Ueda turned provider, setting up Junya Ito for Japan’s third goal of the evening before getting back on the scoresheet himself in the closing stages.Ayase Ueda’s second goal in the 83rd minute saw Japanese midfielder Kaishū Sano break forward from the center of the pitch as the Samurai Blue built a fluid move down the right flank, with passing and movement play opening up Tunisia’s defence. Sano then delivered a perfectly weighted cross towards the far post, where the Feyenoord forward rose above his markers, timing his jump exquisitely, and guided a looping header over goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and scrambling defenders into the net to complete his brace and Japan’s 4-0 win.
Japan’s Ayase Ueda, center, scores his fourth goal with a header against Tunisia during their World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The result carried significance beyond the three points. Japan became the first Asian nation in FIFA World Cup history to score four goals in a single World Cup match, adding another landmark achievement to an increasingly impressive campaign.The performance also continued a rich vein of form that had already established Ueda as one of Japan’s most important attacking players before the tournament. The Feyenoord forward entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 38 senior caps and 16 international goals for Japan. After appearances against Holland and Tunisia, including his brace against the latter, Ueda’s international record now stands at 40 caps and 18 goals for the Samurai Blue.His influence was particularly evident during Japan’s qualifying campaign. Ueda finished as the top scorer for the Samurai Blue during the AFC qualifying rounds, scoring eight goals in nine appearances. Among the highlights was a hat-trick against Myanmar in the opening round of qualifying and a clinical brace against Syria as Japan secured their place in the final.It also brought momentum into the tournament from the international friendlies that preceded it. Ueda scored twice in Japan’s World Cup preparations, including the match-winning header in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Brazil in Tokyo, a result that further reinforced his growing importance to Moriyasu’s side.
Family remains at the center of Ueda’s football journey
According to USA Today, Ueda’s perspective on scoring is closely connected with his education in Mito, Ibaraki, and the sacrifices made by those around him throughout his development as a footballer.Rather than seeing goals as personal achievements, he sees them as moments that belong to the 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 needed to progress from a promising youngster to an international striker competing on the World Cup stage.That background continues to shape the way he approaches success.“My family in Japan too,” Ueda said. “That I am here now thanks to them. I am very happy when I score, but I especially like that I can make others happy.”
Japan’s Ayase Ueda celebrates his team’s second goal against Tunisia during the World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
For supporters watching from the stands or on television, the celebration may be subdued compared to many of football’s most recognizable goal celebrations.For Ueda, however, the gesture serves a specific purpose.The moment is not reserved for personal recognition. It is a recognition of family members at home, teammates on the field, supporters in the stadium and everyone who contributed to 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 reaction remained unchanged. The expression was calm, the gesture restrained, but the meaning behind it reflected years of gratitude towards those who helped him reach this stage.
Japan strengthens its position in group F
The victory over Tunisia significantly strengthened Japan’s position in one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.The Netherlands currently sit top of Group F with four points and a difference of more than four goals, holding the lead as they have scored seven goals compared to Japan’s six. The two nations remain level on points after their entertaining 2-2 draw earlier in the tournament.
Japan players acknowledge 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 occupies second place, also with four points and an identical plus-four goal difference. Sweden remain in contention 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 race for qualification enters its final stage, Japan’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds have been enhanced considerably.For Ueda, meanwhile, another productive night at the World Cup brought further evidence of his importance to the national team. The goals against Tunisia are not only his first on the World Cup stage, but the latest chapter in a scoring run that stretches from qualification to the tournament itself.
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