Japan has become the first team to officially qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in their Asian Group C qualifier on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo sealed the win for the Samurai Blue in front of nearly 60,000 home fans at Saitama Stadium. The victory extends Japan’s dominant form in the qualifiers, where they remain unbeaten with six wins and a draw.
Although Australia’s earlier 5-1 victory over Indonesia had ensured Japan’s qualification even with a draw, Kamada’s 66th-minute strike and Kubo’s late goal in the 87th minute confirmed their place in North America in style.
This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance since their debut in 1998.
Japan controlled much of the game but struggled to break through Bahrain’s defense in the first half. Captain Wataru Endo thought he had put his side ahead in the ninth minute, only for VAR to disallow the goal. Kaoru Mitoma also missed a golden opportunity in first-half injury time, blazing a shot over the bar.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu made crucial substitutions in the second half, bringing on Kamada and Junya Ito. Kamada made an immediate impact, scoring just three minutes after his introduction with a clinical finish off Kubo’s assist.
Kubo, who had threatened earlier with a curling shot that was saved, eventually found the net in the closing moments, sealing Japan’s victory and their ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the final whistle, the Japanese players celebrated with fans, marking another milestone in their football history. With their qualification secured, they will now shift focus to fine-tuning their squad ahead of next year’s tournament.
