Japan has officially secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team to qualify through the AFC qualification process after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama.
Kamada & Kubo Seal Japan’s Qualification
Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to confirm Japan’s place in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.
While Canada, Mexico, and the United States have already qualified as host nations, Japan is the first team globally to secure a World Cup spot through qualifiers.
AFC Qualification: How It Works
- The
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has eight guaranteed spots at the World Cup, plus one additional place available via an intercontinental playoff.
- The third round of qualifying features 18 teams split into three groups, with the top two from each group earning direct qualification.
- Teams finishing third and fourth advance to a fourth round, battling for the remaining spots.
Japan’s Unbeaten Run Continues
Manager Hajime Moriyasu’s
side has been dominant, remaining unbeaten in the qualifiers:
- Second Round:
6 wins from 6 matches
- Third Round:
6 wins & 1 draw
This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup qualification, continuing their streak since their tournament debut in 1998.
Japan’s Star Players Shine
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino (Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2020) all featured in the historic victory.
AFC Qualification Standings & What’s Next
Second-placed Australia, who thrashed Indonesia 5-1, sit nine points behind Japan.
Meanwhile, European World Cup qualifiers kick off this week, with England and Wales among the teams beginning their campaigns.
