Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on March 20 as Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to earn Hajime Moriyasu’s side a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and secure their place at next year’s finals.
Midfielder Kamada came off the bench to put Japan in front after 66 minutes and Kubo added the second three minutes from time to keep the Samurai Blue in pole position in Group C of Asia’s preliminaries.
The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup, joining co-hosts the U.S., Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.
“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “We knew that if we persevered, the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”
Kamada struck three minutes after coming on from the bench before Kubo added the second, beating goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at his near post. Kubo was Japan’s most potent threat and it was fitting that the Real Sociedad playmaker put the outcome beyond doubt. (Reuters, AP)
毎週届く！
