Japan becomes first country to qualify for 2026 men’s World Cup
Japan has become the first nation to officially qualify for the 2026 men’s World Cup following a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo secured the victory for the Samurai Blue, sealing their place in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the host nations already guaranteed automatic qualification, Japan becomes the first non-host country to book a place at the 2026 showpiece.
“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said afterwards, per the Associated Press. “We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”
Japan dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break down a determined Bahrain defence. However, the breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Kamada, who had come off the bench, found the back of the net.
Kubo then added a second goal three minutes from time, finishing from a tight angle after threatening down the left flank throughout the match, to seal the win and confirm qualification.
The result keeps Japan’s unbeaten qualifying run intact, with the team now on 19 points from seven matches, sitting nine points clear of second-placed Australia and 10 ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia in Group C of the Asian qualifiers.
Japan’s dominant position ensures its eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Under the current Asian qualification structure, the top two teams from each of the six-team groups qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams enter an additional round of matches for the remaining slots.
Meanwhile, in the same group, Australia bolstered its own qualification hopes with a commanding 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney, a winning start under new manager Patrick Kluivert.
Indonesia missed an early chance to take the lead when Kevin Diks failed to convert a penalty in the eighth minute. Australia capitalised soon after, with Martin Boyle scoring from the spot in the 18th minute.
Further goals from Nishan Velupillay, Jackson Irvine and Lewis Miller gave the Socceroos a 4-0 advantage by the hour mark. Although Ole Romeny pulled one back for Indonesia, Irvine’s second goal sealed the emphatic win for the home side.
