Japan have secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first team to qualify, after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win for the Asian Group C leaders in Saitama.
Despite a somewhat subdued first half, Crystal Palace forward Kamada opened the scoring in the 66th minute, shortly after coming on as a substitute. Kubo then added a second goal in the 87th minute, confirming Japan’s qualification for their eighth consecutive World Cup.
Earlier in the evening, Australia’s 5-1 win over Indonesia meant Japan would have qualified with a draw. However, they ensured victory in front of nearly 60,000 home fans.
Kamada’s goal came from a pass by Kubo, who later scored himself with a left-footed shot.
The victory sparked celebrations among the Japanese players and supporters.
Japan have been dominant in the Asian third round of qualifiers, having won five and drawn one of their previous matches.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu fielded a strong starting line-up, featuring Premier League players Wataru Endo of Liverpool and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton.
An early goal by captain Endo was disallowed by VAR, and Japan faced some counter-attacking threats from Bahrain, with Komail Al Aswad missing a key opportunity.
Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma also missed a chance in first-half stoppage time.
The introduction of Kamada and Junya Ito in the second half proved decisive, with Kamada scoring the opening goal. Kubo then secured the victory with a late strike.
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