Japan become first nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Celebrations broke out in Tokyo after Japan became the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo came up with clinical finishes for the home side in the second half to earn Hajime Moriyasu's side a 2-0 win over a defensive Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and confirm their place at next year's finals.

After a tight first half in which the Bahraini set up deep to defend, midfielder Kamada came off the bench to put Japan in front after 66 minutes and Kubo added the second three minutes from time to keep the Samurai Blue in pole position in Group C of Asia's qualifying section.

The first two in each of Asia's three qualifying groups are certain to progress to the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year, with the third- and fourth-placed teams advancing to a further round of playoffs.

The win guarantees Japan, with 19 points a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth consecutive World Cup. Australia are second in group C with 10 points.

South Korea lead Group B with 15 points, four ahead of second placed Iraq who have 11, while in group A, Iran lead with 16 points with second placed Uzbekistan on 13.