Japan becomes first country to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan has become the first country to secure a place in the 2026 men's World Cup. They achieved this by defeating Bahrain 2-0 in a match held at Saitama Stadium. The victory came after a goalless first half, with both goals scored in the second half.

Daichi Kamada, who came on as a substitute, broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. Takefusa Kubo, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, sealed the win with a goal just three minutes before the final whistle. Japan's coach, Hajime Moriyasu, expressed gratitude to both the players and fans for their efforts and support.

This qualification marks Japan's eighth consecutive appearance in the World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams participating.