‘Relieved’ Japan: First to Secure 2026 World Cup Berth

Japan has secured its spot as the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, an impressive feat that will surely spark excitement among football enthusiasts worldwide. This achievement was cemented on Thursday with a stellar performance that saw Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo each find the back of the net in the second half, resulting in a 2-0 victory over Bahrain.

Administrator

23 March, 2025

Japan’s World Cup qualification campaign continued to gain momentum as they secured their spot in the upcoming tournament with a convincing performance against Bahrain. In a chilly Saitama night, the home team’s experience and quality eventually shone through, much to the delight of their passionate supporters.

The game remained goalless until the 66th minute when Crystal Palace forward, Kamada, broke the deadlock. The introduction of Kamada and Junya Ito injected new life into Japan’s attack, and it took the former just three minutes to make an impact. A clever reverse pass from Kubo set Kamada through on goal, and he calmly slotted the ball past the Bahrain goalkeeper.

With Australia’s earlier victory over Indonesia, a draw would have been enough for Japan to qualify. However, they wanted to finish the job in style, and that they did. Real Sociedad’s Kubo added the icing on the cake with a superb left-footed strike from a tight angle, leaving the Bahrain custodian with no chance.

The full-time whistle sparked scenes of celebration as the players sprinted onto the pitch to rejoice with their supporters. This qualification holds extra significance as it marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, a remarkable achievement for the country.

Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, expressed his relief and praised his players’ efforts, acknowledging that their qualification journey had not been without challenges. Premier League stars Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma also started the game, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.

Despite a disallowed goal and some wasteful finishing, Japan’s persistence paid off. The impact of the substitutes proved decisive, with Kamada’s ninth international goal putting the game beyond Bahrain’s reach. Kubo’s curling effort was also a highlight, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.

With their place in next year’s World Cup confirmed, Japan can now shift their focus to preparing for the big stage. Their form in the Asian qualifiers has been impressive, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in North America.