Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0 in a crucial match on Thursday.
Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo in the second half sealed their spot in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The match in Saitama saw Japan dominate possession but struggle to break through Bahrain’s defense until the 66th minute. Crystal Palace forward Kamada, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact by finishing off a clever pass from Kubo. The Real Sociedad midfielder then secured the win with a precise left-footed strike from a tight angle in the 87th minute.
Even before the match, Japan’s qualification seemed likely, as Australia’s 5-1 victory over Indonesia meant a draw would have been enough. However, Japan ensured they advanced in style in front of nearly 60,000 home fans.
This will be Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. They have been in dominant form throughout the qualifiers, winning five and drawing one of their matches so far. Coach Hajime Moriyasu fielded an experienced lineup that included Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.
Japan had an early scare when Endo’s goal in the ninth minute was disallowed by VAR. They created several chances, but Bahrain also had opportunities on the counterattack. Komail Al Aswad missed a good chance, while Mitoma squandered a golden opportunity just before halftime.
Moriyasu’s second-half substitutions proved decisive. Kamada’s goal lifted the team, and Kubo nearly added another before finally finding the net in the closing minutes. At the final whistle, Japan’s players celebrated with the home crowd, marking yet another milestone in their World Cup journey.