Japan has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first nation to qualify outside of the host countries after a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win for the Samurai Blue, ensuring their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. The tournament, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, had already guaranteed spots for the three host nations, making Japan the first team to officially book a ticket via qualification.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players and the home crowd following the match. “Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Moriyasu said, according to the Associated Press. “We knew that if we persevered, the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and continue to grow as a team.”
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Japan struggled to break through Bahrain’s disciplined defense. However, substitute Kamada broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a composed finish. Kubo, who had been a persistent threat down Japan’s left flank, added the second goal three minutes from time, firing home from a tight angle to secure the victory.
The win keeps Japan unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers, accumulating 19 points from seven games. The team sits comfortably atop Group C in the Asian qualifying round, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Australia and a ten-point advantage over third-placed Saudi Arabia. Under the current qualification format, the top two teams from each six-team group earn automatic entry into the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams face additional playoff rounds for a chance to qualify.
Meanwhile, in another Group C match, Australia took a significant step towards World Cup qualification with a commanding 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney.
In their first match under new head coach Patrick Kluivert, the Socceroos survived an early scare when Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed a penalty in the eighth minute. Ten minutes later, Martin Boyle converted a spot kick to put Australia ahead. Further goals from Nishan Velupillay, Jackson Irvine, and Lewis Miller extended the lead to 4-0 by the hour mark. While Indonesia pulled one goal back through Ole Romeny, Irvine struck again to seal the emphatic win for Australia.
With just a few matches remaining in the qualifying campaign, Japan has already guaranteed its spot, while Australia and other teams continue their battle for a place in the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026.
