Japan Secures Historic Early Qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan has etched its name in football history by becoming the first nation to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through qualifiers. The Samurai Blue triumphed over Bahrain with a 2-0 victory in Saitama, thanks to goals from Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo in the second half.

This achievement comes with Japan having three games to spare in the third round of the Asian qualifiers, underscoring their dominance in the region. The Asian Football Confederation is allocated eight spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, with an additional place available through inter-continental play-offs.

Under the guidance of coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has been a consistent force in international football. Their performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the last 16, and their current unbeaten streak in the 2026 qualifiers highlight their growth and potential. The team, featuring stars like Liverpool's Wataru Endo, Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma, and former Premier League winner Takumi Minamino, is gearing up for its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming European qualifiers, Japan's early qualification serves as a testament to their meticulous preparation and strategic prowess on the international stage.