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League: FIFA World CupSport: SoccerCountry: GlobalCategory: Scores & Results

Japan and Tunisia set for 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Japan and Tunisia set for 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
Summary

Japan and Tunisia will meet in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup on June 20, marking a significant milestone as the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. FIFA has appointed Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs to officiate the game, presenting him with a special shirt featuring gold sleeve stripes and a 'Match 1000' patch to commemorate the occasion. FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina noted the historic significance of having the best referee for this landmark match, highlighting the honor of officiating during such a crucial moment in football history.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Match scheduled for June 20, 2026, in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
  • •Istvan Kovacs selected as referee for the milestone match.
  • •Referee receives a special match shirt to commemorate the occasion.
  • •FIFA's first World Cup took place in 1930.
Latest Updates
  • 12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Fans will spot unusual detail on referee’s one-of-a-kind shirt during Japan vs Tunisia clash
What they're saying
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The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will see a historic milestone in FIFA’s history reached. The tournament is now in full swing, and the group-stage matches are coming thick and fast.

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FIFA World CupSoccer

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