Japan has officially become the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealing their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. The result extends their impressive run in Group C of the Asian qualifiers, where they have now won 10 out of 11 matches. The only team to slow them down was Australia, which held them to a 1-1 draw earlier in the campaign.
In front of 60,000 passionate fans in Saitama, Japan secured their World Cup berth with goals from Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) and Take Kubo (Real Sociedad). This will mark Japan’s eighth consecutive appearance in the tournament, further cementing their position as a rising force in international football.
2026 World Cup: first six teams secure spot, Taremi leads Iran to qualification
25 Mar - 23:09 •
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