Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Asian team defeated Bahrain 2-0 and secured the first ticket to the World Cup.
The race to the 2026 World Cup , to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has already seen the first team qualified through a knockout process. Japan secured their spot with a 2-0 win over Bahrain , cementing themselves as the undisputed leaders of Group C in the Asian qualifiers and joining the hosts of the next World Cup, who had already secured their spot.
The Japanese national team, led by Hajime Moriyasu , came into the match with the chance to seal their qualification, and they did not waste the opportunity. Goals from Daichi Kamada , who opened the scoring in the 66th minute, and Takefusa Kubo , who sealed the victory in the 87th, gave the Blue Samurai the victory they needed. With this victory, Japan has accumulated 19 points in Group C , the result of six wins and one draw in seven matches, reflecting an unbeaten and overwhelming performance.
The road to World Cup qualification was remarkably easy for Japan, as they secured their place three matches early . This result marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, a streak that began in France 1998. It also establishes Japan as a clear benchmark in Asian football and a frequent contender on the global sporting scene.
Takefusa Kubo sealed the victory (Reuters)
Japan's lead in Group C was reaffirmed despite some setbacks during the match. In the first half, a goal by Liverpool's Wataru Endo was ruled out for handball, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime. However, Moriyasu's tactical changes in the second half quickly took effect. Kamada came on for Takumi Minamino and just three minutes later he celebrated the game's opening goal. Later, Kubo, one of the Japanese team's standouts, capitalized on an assist to confirm the victory.
With these three points, Japan not only consolidates its qualification for the World Cup, but also sends a clear message of football dominance in Asia. In the other Group C match, Australia thrashed Indonesia , but the Socceroos are still far behind Japan's 19 points and sit in second place with 10.
Japan thus joins Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the hosts who will participate in the 2026 World Cup without having to play in qualifying matches. Japan's qualification officially begins the list of teams that will secure their place in this edition, which will be notable for its historic nature: it will be the first with 48 participating teams and will include three countries as joint hosts.
In Group B of the Asian qualifiers, South Korea drew with Oman , also staying in contention for a spot in the tournament, which will be played in just over 500 days. With the March FIFA World Cup underway, the qualifying landscape around the world is beginning to take shape.
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Asian team defeated Bahrain 2-0 and secured the first ticket to the World Cup.
The race to the 2026 World Cup , to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has already seen the first team qualified through a knockout process. Japan secured their spot with a 2-0 win over Bahrain , cementing themselves as the undisputed leaders of Group C in the Asian qualifiers and joining the hosts of the next World Cup, who had already secured their spot.
The Japanese national team, led by Hajime Moriyasu , came into the match with the chance to seal their qualification, and they did not waste the opportunity. Goals from Daichi Kamada , who opened the scoring in the 66th minute, and Takefusa Kubo , who sealed the victory in the 87th, gave the Blue Samurai the victory they needed. With this victory, Japan has accumulated 19 points in Group C , the result of six wins and one draw in seven matches, reflecting an unbeaten and overwhelming performance.
The road to World Cup qualification was remarkably easy for Japan, as they secured their place three matches early . This result marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, a streak that began in France 1998. It also establishes Japan as a clear benchmark in Asian football and a frequent contender on the global sporting scene.
Takefusa Kubo sealed the victory (Reuters)
Japan's lead in Group C was reaffirmed despite some setbacks during the match. In the first half, a goal by Liverpool's Wataru Endo was ruled out for handball, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime. However, Moriyasu's tactical changes in the second half quickly took effect. Kamada came on for Takumi Minamino and just three minutes later he celebrated the game's opening goal. Later, Kubo, one of the Japanese team's standouts, capitalized on an assist to confirm the victory.
With these three points, Japan not only consolidates its qualification for the World Cup, but also sends a clear message of football dominance in Asia. In the other Group C match, Australia thrashed Indonesia , but the Socceroos are still far behind Japan's 19 points and sit in second place with 10.
Japan thus joins Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the hosts who will participate in the 2026 World Cup without having to play in qualifying matches. Japan's qualification officially begins the list of teams that will secure their place in this edition, which will be notable for its historic nature: it will be the first with 48 participating teams and will include three countries as joint hosts.
In Group B of the Asian qualifiers, South Korea drew with Oman , also staying in contention for a spot in the tournament, which will be played in just over 500 days. With the March FIFA World Cup underway, the qualifying landscape around the world is beginning to take shape.
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