Japan Football Team Qualifies For Eighth Consecutive World Cup

Japanese National Football Team Secures World Cup Spot in Historic Victory

On March 20, 2025, the Japan national football team achieved an impressive milestone, defeating Bahrain 2-0 in the final Asian qualifier for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. This victory not only solidified their position as 15th in the FIFA rankings, but also marked their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, making it the fastest qualification in the tournament's history.

In recognition of this momentous occasion, Wataru Endo, the captain of the team who plays for Liverpool FC, received a congratulatory message through the club's official X account, stating, "Congratulations, Wataru." This announcement prompted a flood of positive remarks online, with fans expressing their admiration for Endo as both a player and a captain. Comments from supporters included praises such as "That's Wataru for you," and affirmations that he truly deserves more playing time at Liverpool, echoing sentiments like, "Endo is worthy of joining the World Cup; he has unmatched talent and the best attitude I've seen in a player."

The Japanese team's success is particularly noteworthy given their journey through the qualifiers, which began in September 2024 during a match against China. The team secured five wins and a draw. This latest match against Bahrain held immense significance as it marked the confirmed qualification to the World Cup, with nearly 60,000 spectators gathering at Saitama Stadium 2002 to witness the spectacle.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu had set lofty goals, focusing not only on qualifying but pushing for World Cup victory. In the lead-up to the match, the players were determined to secure a win, knowing that a draw would still suffice for qualification due to Australia’s earlier victory over Indonesia. Nonetheless, Moriyasu's team remained fixated on achieving a decisive win.

In a show of support and celebration, Liverpool's official Japanese X account also posted an edited image featuring Endo donning the team's jersey while holding a Japanese flag, accompanied by the message: “The captain who leads Samurai Blue to the World Cup! Congratulations, Wataru.” Japanese fans expressed their enthusiasm in response to this gesture, with comments praising Endo for being “too cool” and stating “our captain is the best.” Many fans also expressed gratitude for the swift response from the club’s management.

Endo's impact on the team's performance has been undeniable, even as he has seen reduced playtime with his club this season. His leadership qualities and resilience have shone brightly when representing his country. A common theme among fans is the belief that his experience with a prestigious club like Liverpool brings extraordinary value to the national team.

Much has changed since Japan's previous encounter with Bahrain, where they recorded a 5-0 victory in September 2024, highlighting how much the Bahraini team has improved over the months. The match on March 20 had different stakes, as the players were acutely aware that they were fighting not just for a victory, but also for a spot in the World Cup. Following the match, social media erupted with excitement and pride, capturing the essence of this historic achievement.

With this latest win, Japan’s national squad looks ahead to the World Cup with renewed aspirations, combining both the unyielding spirit of their captain and the collective talent of the team. As they prepare to take on the world stage once again, call it the heart of Samurai Blue that fuels their journey.