Japan Becomes First Asian Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan has officially secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Asian team to qualify for the tournament. The Samurai Blue achieved this milestone with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the seventh round of Group C in the third qualifying round. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win, ensuring Japan's spot in the global showpiece.

With this result, Japan now holds a 13-point lead over the third-placed team in their group, making it mathematically impossible for them to fall below the second qualifying position. Their consistent performances have made them one of the strongest teams in Asian football.

Meanwhile, Australia bolstered their own qualification hopes with a dominant 5-1 win over Indonesia. A brace from Jackson Irvine, along with goals from Martin Boyle, Marco Tilio, and Ryan McGowan, secured the victory. This result puts Australia four points ahead of Saudi Arabia, who have a game in hand against China.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers - Asian Zone

Australia 5-1 Indonesia
Goals: Boyle, 18 (1:0), Tilio, 20 (2:0), Irvine, 34 (3:0), McGowan, 61 (4:0), ter Haar Romeny, 78 (4:1), Irvine, 90 (5:1)

Japan 2-0 Bahrain
Goals: Kamada, 66 (1:0), Kubo, 87 (2:0)