Japan players celebrating a win
Japan have become the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The Asian giants secured the win on matchday seven of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, extending their lead at the top of Group C.
Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed qualification for the Blue Samurai, as they booked their place in the tournament with three matches to spare.
They lead the table with 19 points after seven games, winning six and drawing one, with zero losses.
Their unbeaten streak has secured them early qualification, making them the first country aside from host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada to qualify for the prestigious intercontinental tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will introduce a new expanded format, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history.
The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 32.
EE/MA
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