Japan Secures First Spot in 2026 World Cup with 2-0 Victory Over Bahrain

After defeating Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday, Japan became the first country to reserve a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo’s goals in the second half clinched the victory and guaranteed Japan’s seventh straight World Cup appearance.
The Group C leaders got off to a poor start on a cold Saitama evening, but they soon settled into a groove.

Shortly after being brought on as a substitute, Kamada of Crystal Palace broke the tie in the 66th minute. Kubo of Real Sociedad completed an outstanding performance by adding a second goal in the 87th minute.
Japan was almost guaranteed to qualify even before the game started because a draw would have been enough after Australia’s decisive 5-1 victory over Indonesia.

To the pleasure of the almost 60,000 spectators, the Samurai Blue were keen to close the deal in style.

Kamada’s influence was instantaneous; he put the ball beyond Bahrain’s goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, after latching onto a deft reverse pass from Kubo.

At the final whistle, Kubo’s well-executed left-footed shot from a tight angle placed the outcome beyond dispute and sent the Japanese players into frenzied jubilation.

Japan has dominated the Asian qualifiers under coach Hajime Moriyasu, going undefeated with five victories and one draw.

Premier League players Wataru Endo of Liverpool and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton were among the team’s formidable roster.

Endo’s strike in the ninth minute almost gave Japan the lead early in the match, but VAR disallowed it.

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The home team kept up the pressure, although Bahrain appeared dangerous on the attack after Komail Al Aswad wasted a good opportunity just before halftime.
Additionally, Mitoma blazed a shot over the bar in stoppage time, missing a fantastic opportunity. Midway through the second half, Moriyasu added Kamada and Junya Ito because he felt the team needed new energy, and it immediately paid off.

After forcing a superb save from Lutfalla, Kubo, who had been a continuous menace, eventually scored in the last seconds.

As they get ready for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Japan’s triumph not only guaranteed qualification but also solidified their place as one of Asia’s best footballing nations.