Japan has made history by becoming the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This significant achievement was clinched on Thursday, March 20, 2025, following a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain during their qualifying match.
The match was held at Saitama Stadium, where the excitement unfolded after a scoreless first half. In the second half, former Eintracht Frankfurt player Daichi Kamada scored the opening goal for Japan in the 66th minute. Just moments before the final whistle, Takefusa Kubo sealed the deal with a second goal in the 87th minute, solidifying Japan's position in the tournament and demonstrating their strong performance throughout the qualification process.
This victory marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, reinforcing their status as a dominant force in Asian football. The national team, known as the Samurai Blue, has consistently showcased their talent on the international stage. Their qualification comes as a celebratory milestone, particularly after their impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they notably defeated Germany.
Aside from Kamada, who plays for Crystal Palace, Japan's lineup included several Bundesliga stars: Ko Itakura from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hiroki Ito from Bayern Munich, and Ritsu Doan from SC Freiburg. These players started the match, demonstrating the depth of talent that Japan possesses and its connection to European football.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a historic event, as it will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanding the competition significantly. The three host nations, the USA, Canada, and Mexico, are automatically qualified for this prestigious tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Japan's qualification journey began with a series of strong performances in Group C of the Asian qualifiers. With this latest victory, they have assured themselves of a top-two finish in their group, securing a spot at the World Cup. As qualifying matches continue around the globe, many teams aspire to follow in Japan's footsteps.
The news of Japan's qualification has been met with widespread acclaim, not just from the fans but also from officials and commentators who recognize the hard work and dedication of the team. Hajime Moriyasu, Japan's head coach, praised his players for their perseverance and tactical discipline. On the bright side, the team aims to build on their success and challenge for a deep run in the World Cup.
As Europe gears up for its own qualifying matches this Friday, Japan's early qualification serves as a reminder of the intense competition and determination prevalent in global football. Excitement is building among fans and players alike as the world prepares for the expanded World Cup tournament.
With Japan setting the bar high by securing their place in the tournament, the pressure is on other teams to follow suit. Will we see more historic qualifications as the qualifying rounds progress? The football community eagerly anticipates what lies ahead as nations vie for the honor to represent their countries on one of the sport's biggest stages. Japan's journey continues with their sights set high, aiming to showcase their prowess on a global level once again.
