Japan has become the first country outside the host nations to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Samurai Blue clinched their qualification after a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday, ensuring their spot in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament. This achievement marks a significant milestone as Japan extends its remarkable streak of consecutive World Cup appearances to an impressive eight.
The match saw Japan display their characteristic discipline and finesse, with second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealing the win. The victory was crucial in securing one of the top two automatic qualification spots in Asia’s Group C. With 16 points from their matches, Japan is currently sitting comfortably at the top of their group, a position they’ve worked hard to attain throughout the qualification process.
Under the guidance of head coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has shown remarkable consistency and resilience in their qualifying journey. The team’s strong performances, including a recent 3-1 triumph over China, have confirmed their place as one of Asia’s top footballing nations.
As Japan gears up for its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, they will join the co-hosts—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—in the highly anticipated 2026 tournament. The World Cup will be historic, not only for its expanded format but also for the excitement that these teams, along with Japan, will bring to the global stage.
With their sights firmly set on continued success, Japan looks forward to facing the world’s best teams and adding another chapter to their World Cup legacy.
