Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup with Win Over Bahrain.

Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup with Win Over Bahrain.

Japan has secured its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. (Photo: Kenta Harada/Getty Images).

Japan secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, becoming the first team to qualify after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win for Hajime Moriyasu’s side, confirming their place in next year’s tournament.

Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada came off the bench to break the deadlock in the 66th minute, while Kubo added a second goal three minutes from time, keeping Japan firmly at the top of Group C in Asia’s qualifiers.

With this victory, Japan is guaranteed a top-two finish in the standings, securing their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. The top two teams from each of Asia’s three qualifying groups earn direct entry to the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the third- and fourth-placed teams move on to a playoff round.

After a lackluster first half, Moriyasu introduced Kamada in the 63rd minute, and within three minutes, he made an impact. The 28-year-old finished off a well-constructed move initiated by defender Hiroki Ito, 

who found Ayase Ueda in the center circle. Ueda’s pass released Kubo, who then assisted Kamada for the opener.

Kubo, Japan’s standout performer, fittingly added the second goal. The Real Sociedad playmaker fired past Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at his near post, securing the victory.

Elsewhere in Group C, Australia remains nine points behind Japan in second place after a commanding 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney. In Patrick Kluivert’s first match as Indonesia’s head coach, his team nearly took an early lead when Kevin Diks struck the post with an eighth-minute penalty. 

However, the Socceroos capitalized on the miss, with Martin Boyle converting from the spot, followed by a brace from Jackson Irvine and goals from Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller to strengthen Australia’s qualification hopes.