Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday. The match, held at Saitama Stadium, saw Japan securing another impressive win in the Asian qualifiers.
Kamada and Kubo Secure Victory
Midfielder Daichi Kamada came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring in the 66th minute. His goal shifted the momentum in Japan’s favor. Just three minutes before full-time, Takefusa Kubo doubled the lead, sealing the victory. Their strong performances ensured Japan remained in control of Group C.
Japan Extends Lead in Group C
With this crucial win, Japan now holds a commanding nine-point lead over second-placed Australia in Group C. Meanwhile, Australia delivered a dominant performance in Sydney, securing a 5-1 win over Indonesia. This match also marked Patrick Kluivert’s first game as Indonesia’s head coach.
Other Matches in the Asian Qualifiers
Later on Thursday, Saudi Arabia will face China in Riyadh in another important Group C clash. A victory for Saudi Arabia could strengthen their qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, in Group B, South Korea and Oman played to a 1-1 draw at Goyang Stadium. South Korea now leads the group with 15 points, while Oman remains in fourth place with seven points.
Japan Prepares for the World Cup
With their qualification secured, Japan now shifts focus toward preparing for the tournament. Their consistent performances in the qualifiers highlight their dominance in Asian football. The team will aim to build on this success and make a strong impact at the World Cup. Fans will eagerly watch as Japan fine-tunes its squad for the prestigious tournament.
