Japan turns into the primary crew to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after host nations

Japanese gamers have a good time qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the 2-0 victory after the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier Group C match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20, 2025, in Saitama, Japan.
| Photograph Credit score: Getty Pictures

Japan turned the primary crew to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday (March 20, 2025).

Second-half targets from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue secured a spot in Asia Group C’s prime two automated qualification locations.

At its eighth successive World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts the US, Canada and Mexico within the expanded 48-team event.

“Because of the gamers for his or her efforts and the followers for his or her help,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu stated. “We knew that if we persevered that the targets would come. We are going to attempt to win our three remaining video games and develop as a crew.”

Bahrain coach Dragan Talajic stated, “It’s not stunning that Japan has certified, as it’s a top quality crew. They may obtain nice outcomes on the World Cup.”

Earlier, second-placed Australia took a giant step in direction of a seventh look by defeating Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney within the customer’s first sport underneath new coach Patrick Kluivert.

Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed a penalty within the eighth minute, and 10 minutes later Martin Boyle made no mistake together with his spot kick to place the Socceroos forward.

Nishan Velupillay and Jackson Irvine scored earlier than the break and Lewis Miller made it 4-0 on the hour. Ole Romeny pulled one again for Indonesia earlier than Irvine grabbed his second and the hosts’ fifth.

The highest two from every of the three six-team teams within the third spherical of Asian qualifying advance to the World Cup whereas the third- and fourth-placed groups advance to a different stage to compete for 2 extra locations.

South Korea stayed on prime of Group B and heading in the right direction for an eleventh successive World Cup look regardless of drawing with Oman 1-1 in Goyang, simply north of Seoul.

Ahead Hwang Hee-chan put South Korea forward simply earlier than the break and Oman earned some extent via Ali Al-Busaidi’s Eightieth-minute purpose.

“Individuals might imagine this qualification spherical is straightforward however now we have to work so exhausting for each match,” South Korea captain Son Heung-min stated. “A match like this may train us a lesson. Now we have to take no matter constructive we will from this.”