Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari has explained why he “apologised” after scoring against Tunisia in an emotional 2026 FIFA World Cup clash on Monday at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder struck twice in an encounter that pitted him against the country of his father’s birth.
Ayari was one of the standout performers as Sweden cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia, scoring twice. The 22-year-old opened the scoring after just six minutes, unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner after pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area.
While Swedish supporters inside Monterrey’s stadium erupted in celebration, Ayari’s subdued reaction was impossible to miss. The former Sweden youth international raised his hands in apology and chose not to celebrate the goal against the North African nation.
WHY YASIN AYARI CHOSE TO PLAY FOR SWEDEN OVER MOROCCO AND TUNISIA
Speaking after their Group F opener, he described the emotional struggle he felt while playing against a country he still considers part of his identity. “This is also my country. My father is from here. I have a lot of family there, so it was a special game for me,” he said.
“That’s why I didn’t celebrate the first goal because I felt a lot for the country. I love this country, but I’m happy with the result.”
He explained that his apology was sincere and deeply personal, given his family’s ties to Tunisia. “I apologised because I love the country. This is also my country.”
Born in Sweden, Ayari, whose mother is Moroccan, was eligible to represent three nations internationally. Tunisia attempted to recruit him in 2022, but he ultimately committed to Sweden.
Interestingly, the 2025 Swedish Midfielder of the Year’s emotions changed later in the game after he scored his second goal. This time, he celebrated, and he explained that the circumstances were different.
“I celebrated the second goal because it was 5-1, and it was near the end of the game. I needed to enjoy as well. This is the World Cup. It’s my first World Cup, and when you score two goals, it’s not every day you score two goals. So, I was happy.”
The former AIK Solna midfielder also discussed his decision to represent Sweden rather than Tunisia or Morocco. “I chose to play for Sweden because I was born in Sweden. I have played for the Swedish national teams since I was young, and it was just natural for me to go all the way up,” he concluded.
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