The Japanese national soccer team, currently ranked 15th in the FIFA rankings, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bahrain in the final Asian qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup North America. This match, scheduled for March 20, 2025, at Saitama Stadium, could see Japan achieve the fastest qualification in history by securing their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance with a victory.
Leading into this important clash, there has been significant anticipation regarding Japan's position in the World Cup group stage draw. With an aim to secure a spot in Pot 2, which houses teams ranked 10th to 23rd, there are rising conversations amongst fans and officials regarding potential opponents. Currently, Japan stands at 15th place, ahead of South Korea in 23rd by over 67 points, making their chances to land in Pot 2 quite feasible.
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has created a new dynamic. Host nations Canada, the United States, and Mexico are set to feature in Pot 1. Their FIFA rankings as of March 2025 are Canada at 31st, the U.S. at 16th, and Mexico at 19th.
Japan's National Team Director Masakuni Yamamoto emphasized the importance of winning after September 2025 to ensure continued success and improve their pot allocation. He said, “We need to keep winning” to maintain the team’s competitive edge.
In preparation for the match against Bahrain, Japan conducted their final training session at the venue on March 19. Forward Ayase Ueda, 26, from Feyenoord, expressed confidence in his team's goal-scoring ability, focusing on his role in potentially securing the decisive goal for their World Cup qualification. Ueda stated, “Scoring is my job,” hinting at the high expectations placed upon him as the team aims to solidify their place in football history.
Japan's possible adversaries to face in upcoming friendlies to hone their skills ahead of the World Cup include Canada, Ecuador, Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria. Notably, there are talks of a friendly against Mexico, which, should it materialize, could serve as a significant test for the Japanese squad.
The match against Bahrain is not just about qualification; it symbolizes Japan's resilience and determination as a footballing nation. Should they clinch a victory, they will have a historic achievement under their belts well ahead of the traditional excitement of the tournament announcement.
As the date of the match draws near, excitement builds among fans and supporters. The potential to write a new chapter in Japan’s World Cup history hangs in the balance, making this game not just a match but a step toward the future of Japanese football.
