The Japan national football team is gearing up for a crucial match against Bahrain in the North Central America World Cup Asia Final Qualifying Round. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu attended a press conference on March 19, 2025, to share his thoughts ahead of this pivotal clash. The team leads Group C with five wins and one draw and only needs to win the upcoming match on March 20 to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Moriyasu expressed his eagerness, stating that he envisions "sharing joy with supporters" after the hard-fought battle.
Japan's impressive performance throughout the qualifiers has placed them in a strong position. A win in this match would mark the fastest World Cup qualification in the nation's history, as well as set a record for the earliest qualification among non-host nations, given that the United States, Canada, and Mexico have already secured their places as hosts.
The match is set to take place at the fully sold-out Saitama Stadium 2002, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash. Moriyasu remained calm during his address, maintaining that his emotional state would not drastically change before the game. However, he did mention observing the players' strong preparation, saying, "Everyone is well-prepared, and we're taking a collective approach as a team. I am genuinely looking forward to tomorrow's match."
Despite their current standing, the coach recognizes the challenges posed by Bahrain, who sits in fifth place in Group C. Although the team is lower in the rankings, they remain in contention for World Cup qualification due to the tight competition among the other lower-ranked teams. Bahrain also comes off a victorious run, having clinched the Gulf Cup title last year, which has provided them with motivation and momentum entering this upcoming match.
Moriyasu underscored Bahrain's capability by stating, "In short, I have a strong impression of them as a formidable team." Bahrain has effectively utilized their domestic training camp to prepare, starting from March 9, 2025, arriving in Japan before the European-based players of Japan. The head coach acknowledged that their thorough preparations are evident and voiced the importance of his team keeping a competitive edge against them, declaring, "We need to prepare thoroughly to outperform them in what I expect to be a challenging match."
Another point of concern is Bahrain's away performance in the qualifiers, as they garnered four points in hostile territory. They managed to secure a win against Australia and drew against Saudi Arabia, both of whom are strong contenders. Midfielder Wataru Endo also commented on Bahrain's potential, stating, "I’ve heard they’re well-prepared for the Japan match, so it won’t be easy. Their strong performances away from home are certainly indicators that this will be a tough match, but we only need to focus on bringing out our own strengths to win it."
Japan previously faced Bahrain in September 2024, winning decisively with a score of 5-0. However, Moriyasu was keen to remind his players of the risk of complacency, remarking, "While we achieved a convincing victory, we created opportunities for them to score in the early stages of that match." He emphasized the necessity of stifling Bahrain’s tactical capabilities and individual talents while maintaining an aggressive approach to secure victory. "We plan to face this critical match with the utmost care," he stated, ensuring that his team is prepared for anything Bahrain may bring.
As the kickoff at Saitama Stadium approaches, the anticipation continues to build. The game's outcome could not only secure Japan’s place in the World Cup but also demonstrate the team's resilience and determination. Given the stakes, both teams are poised to put forth their best efforts in what promises to be an unforgettable encounter.
In summary, Japan is on the brink of making history in the World Cup qualifiers, facing a Bahrain team that carries both ambition and talent. Coach Moriyasu counts on the team’s preparation and past performances to navigate this crucial match successfully. Fans can expect an intense atmosphere in Saitama, as everyone looks towards this significant moment for Japanese football.
