Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their spot with a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
The match remained goalless until the 66th minute when midfielder Daichi Kamada, who had recently been substituted in, broke the deadlock.
Takefusa Kubo added a second goal three minutes before full-time, ensuring a comfortable win for the Samurai Blue.
This victory guarantees Japan a top-two finish in Group C of the Asian qualifiers, marking their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Japan have done so with three games to spare, making them the first non-hosts to confirm their spot in the tournament, joining co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities, with the final expected to be held at New York’s MetLife Stadium.
