Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan is the first team outside of host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico to qualify for the 2026 Men’s World Cup.

The Samurai Blues secured their spot after a resounding 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20th, all but confirming their dominance as the best team in the region.

It confirms them as the fourth team in the recently-expanded 48-team competition, set to take place across North America next year.

After a goalless first half, Japan coach Hajime Moruyasu brought on Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada in the 63rd minute and wasted no time repaying his faith to the manager, scoring three minutes later after a fluid team move. Takefusa Kubo sealed the win in the 87th minute, beating the Bahrain goalkeeper at the near post.

Japan’s qualification performances are indicative of their quality going into the World Cup. They are undefeated with six wins and one draw and hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Australia. Led by captain and Liverpool player Wataru Endo and budding stars like Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma, they will undoubtedly be one of the “dark horses” of the competition. It makes for the eighth consecutive time they have qualified for the World Cup — a further testament to their increasing quality.

With the World Cup now expanded to 48 teams, the Asian Football Confederation is guaranteed eight spots, and Japan’s swift qualification ensures that there will be stiff competition for teams from South America and Europe. The group-stage setup sees teams divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams in each group along with eight of the third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32.