Japan’s national football team continued their dominant run in the Asian Group C World Cup qualifiers, securing their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. On a chilly night in Saitama, the team struggled to find their rhythm initially but eventually found their spark with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain.
The game remained goalless until the 66th minute when Crystal Palace forward, Kamada, pounced on a reverse pass from Kubo and slotted the ball past the Bahrain goalkeeper. Real Sociedad’s Kubo then added a second goal with a left-footed shot from a tight angle, sealing the win and their place in the 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America.
Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, expressed relief at qualifying for the World Cup, stating that their goal now is to compete against strong teams on the biggest stage. The team’s captain, Endo, who had an early goal disallowed by VAR, led a strong and experienced lineup that included Premier League talents from Liverpool and Brighton.
Despite some close calls and wasted opportunities on both sides, Japan maintained their composure and made crucial adjustments in the second half. The impact of substitutes Kamada and Ito was immediate, with Kamada scoring just three minutes after coming on. Kubo also went close with a curling shot, only to be denied by the Bahrain goalkeeper.
With this victory, Japan has proven their unstoppable form in the qualifiers, winning six and drawing one of their seven games. Their qualification campaign has been a testament to the team’s hard work and determination, and they now set their sights on competing against the best in the world at the 2026 World Cup.
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