Japan has become the first nation to book a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup via qualifiers, securing their place with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama.
Kamada and Kubo Seal Japan’s Qualification
Second-half goals from Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo ensured Japan’s progression with three games to spare in the third round of the Asian qualifiers.
While Canada, Mexico, and the United States had already secured places as tournament hosts, Japan is the first team to qualify through the qualification process.
Asia’s Road to the World Cup
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has eight guaranteed spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, with an additionalplayoff spot available through intercontinental playoffs.
The third round of Asian qualifying features 18 teams split into three groups. The top two teams from each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams move to a fourth round to compete for the remaining slots.
Dominant Japan Secure Eighth Consecutive World Cup Appearance
Under manager Hajime Moriyasu, Japan continues its streak of World Cup qualifications, having reached the tournament’s last 16 in Qatar 2022 before losing to Croatia on penalties.
Japan has dominated the qualifiers, winning six out of six matches in the second round and remainingunbeaten in the third round with six wins and one draw.
The squad featured Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino, a Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2020.
Australia Trails Behind Japan
Second-placed Australia, who secured a 5-1 victory over Indonesia, remainsnine points behind Japan.
Meanwhile, European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are set to begin this week, with England and Wales among the teams in action.
