Japan has officially secured its place in the 2026 men’s World Cup, becoming the first non-host nation to qualify after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win for the Samurai Blue, ensuring their spot in next year’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The three host nations had already secured automatic qualification.
“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said, according to the Associated Press. “We knew that if we persevered, the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”
Japan dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break down Bahrain’s solid defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when substitute Kamada found the back of the net. Kubo then doubled the lead in the 87th minute, firing home from a tight angle to secure the victory.
With this result, Japan remains unbeaten in its World Cup qualifying campaign, topping Group C with 19 points from seven matches. The team sits nine points ahead of second-placed Australia and 10 points clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia, comfortably securing its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
In Asia’s qualifying format, the top two teams from each six-team group automatically advance to the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams must compete in additional playoff rounds for the remaining spots.
Elsewhere in Group C, Australia moved closer to qualification with a dominant 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney. In Patrick Kluivert’s first match as Socceroos manager, Australia took control after Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed an early penalty. Martin Boyle then converted a spot kick in the 18th minute to open the scoring.
Nishan Velupillay, Jackson Irvine, and Lewis Miller extended Australia’s lead to 4-0 by the hour mark. Although Indonesia’s Ole Romeny pulled one back, Irvine’s second goal of the match secured a resounding victory for the Australians.
With Japan already through, the battle for the second automatic qualification spot in Group C is heating up as Australia and Saudi Arabia fight for their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.
