Japan makes history as first Nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Alona Yadav | Mar 21, 2025, 21:20 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Japan has become the first non-host country to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0, thanks to goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo. This victory ensures their spot in the tournament, marking their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Australia bolstered their chances with a dominant 5-1 victory over Indonesia.
Japan has secured its place as the first non-host country to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Second-half goals from substitutes Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo propelled the Samurai Blue to victory and guaranteed their spot in next year's expanded 48-team tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said after the match. "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."
Despite dominating possession throughout the first half, Japan struggled to break down a disciplined Bahrain defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when Kamada, who had entered as a substitute, found the net with a precise finish. With just three minutes remaining in regulation time, Kubo, who had been threatening down Japan's left flank all evening, scored from a difficult angle to seal the victory.
The win maintains Japan's perfect record in their qualifying campaign, giving them 19 points from seven matches. This impressive performance puts them nine points ahead of second-placed Australia and ten points clear of Saudi Arabia in third place. Japan's commanding lead in Group C of the Asian qualifying route ensures they will appear in their eighth consecutive World Cup.
Under the Asian qualifying format, the top two teams from each six-team group automatically advance to the World Cup, while the third and fourth-place finishers must compete in an additional round of matches for two remaining spots.
In related qualifying action, Australia took a significant step toward securing their own World Cup berth with a convincing 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney on Thursday. Playing their first match under new manager Patrick Kluivert, the Socceroos capitalized on Indonesia's missed penalty in the eighth minute, with Martin Boyle converting from the spot to give Australia the lead ten minutes later.
Additional goals from Nishan Velupillay, Jackson Irvine (who scored twice), and Lewis Miller completed the rout for Australia, with Indonesia's Ole Romeny managing only a consolation goal.
Second-half goals from substitutes Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo propelled the Samurai Blue to victory and guaranteed their spot in next year's expanded 48-team tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said after the match. "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."
Despite dominating possession throughout the first half, Japan struggled to break down a disciplined Bahrain defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when Kamada, who had entered as a substitute, found the net with a precise finish. With just three minutes remaining in regulation time, Kubo, who had been threatening down Japan's left flank all evening, scored from a difficult angle to seal the victory.
The win maintains Japan's perfect record in their qualifying campaign, giving them 19 points from seven matches. This impressive performance puts them nine points ahead of second-placed Australia and ten points clear of Saudi Arabia in third place. Japan's commanding lead in Group C of the Asian qualifying route ensures they will appear in their eighth consecutive World Cup.
Under the Asian qualifying format, the top two teams from each six-team group automatically advance to the World Cup, while the third and fourth-place finishers must compete in an additional round of matches for two remaining spots.
In related qualifying action, Australia took a significant step toward securing their own World Cup berth with a convincing 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney on Thursday. Playing their first match under new manager Patrick Kluivert, the Socceroos capitalized on Indonesia's missed penalty in the eighth minute, with Martin Boyle converting from the spot to give Australia the lead ten minutes later.
Additional goals from Nishan Velupillay, Jackson Irvine (who scored twice), and Lewis Miller completed the rout for Australia, with Indonesia's Ole Romeny managing only a consolation goal.