Japan has become the first team to earn a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the qualification process after defeating Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama.
Goals from Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo in the second half sealed the victory, ensuring Japan’s spot in the tournament with three matches remaining in the third round of the Asian qualifiers.
Although Canada, Mexico, and the United States had already secured their participation as host nations, Japan is the first team to qualify through the standard route.
Asia’s road to the World Cup
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has been allocated eight direct spots in the expanded 48-team competition, with a ninth place available through an intercontinental playoff.
The third round of qualifying consists of 18 teams, split into three groups. The top two teams from each group advance automatically to the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams proceed to the fourth round to fight for the remaining slots.
Under the guidance of head coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has demonstrated dominance in the qualifying campaign. After securing six consecutive wins in the second round, the team remains unbeaten in the third stage, with six victories and one draw.
Strong squad and recent success
Japan has qualified for its eighth consecutive World Cup, continuing its streak since first appearing in the tournament in 1998. The squad features several high-profile players, including Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino, a former Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2020.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan reached the Round of 16 but suffered elimination at the hands of Croatia in a penalty shootout. Their current form suggests they are determined to build on that performance in the upcoming tournament.
Meanwhile, Australia, currently in second place in their group, recorded a dominant 5-1 victory over Bahrain but remains nine points behind Japan.
