Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their place with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday. Second-half goals from substitutes Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured Japan’s qualification for an eighth consecutive World Cup finals.
The win maintains Japan’s lead in Group C of Asia’s preliminaries. The top two teams in each of the three qualifying groups earn automatic qualification for the tournament, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The third- and fourth-placed teams will advance to a further playoff round.
After an underwhelming first half, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu introduced Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada in the 63rd minute. The substitution proved decisive. Within three minutes, Kamada put Japan ahead, finishing off a move that involved Hiroki Ito, Ayase Ueda, and Kubo.
Real Sociedad playmaker Kubo, who had been Japan’s most consistent attacking threat throughout the match, added a second goal in the 87th minute, beating Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at his near post.
Australia Thrash Indonesia in Kluivert’s Debut
Elsewhere in Group C, Australia defeated Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney, with Patrick Kluivert experiencing a heavy defeat in his first game in charge of the visitors. Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed an early penalty, hitting the post in the eighth minute.
Australia capitalized on the reprieve. Martin Boyle scored from the penalty spot, and Jackson Irvine netted a brace. Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller also scored, boosting Australia’s hopes of joining Japan in securing automatic qualification.
Japan’s victory, combined with Australia’s win, highlights the dominance of these two teams in Group C. The focus now shifts to their remaining fixtures as they aim to solidify their positions and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.
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