The Japanese national soccer team is gearing up for a pivotal match in their journey towards the 2026 North American World Cup, scheduled against Bahrain on March 20, 2025, in Saitama. This match is particularly crucial, as a victory would secure Japan's participation in the World Cup for an impressive eighth consecutive time.
On March 18, 2025, the team held a closed training session in Chiba City, honing their strategies and skills under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. One standout player is MF Hidemasa Morita, who has made a notable comeback from a calf injury sustained in January. Morita has been in extraordinary form during the qualifying campaign, scoring three goals, which ties him as the second-highest scorer on the team along with his teammate, Minamino. Notably, he scored two goals in a previous encounter against Bahrain back in September 2024.
Morita was not shy about expressing his aspirations ahead of the upcoming matches. "I want to be in perfect condition and prepare thoroughly for both the matches against Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. I’m ready to play a full game," he stated confidently. His efficient play as a holding midfielder not only helps maintain the team’s balance but also increases his contributions to goal-scoring opportunities.
Bahrain is a team Morita knows well. He expressed a positive feeling about facing them again, emphasizing how understanding the phases of play has enhanced his ability to find space on the field. "I may not have the best shooting skills, but I have a clear image in my mind of where to be, when opportunities arise to score," he explained. This insight reflects his growth as a player who is evolving into a key playmaker.Team dynamics are crucial in these high-pressure matches, and Morita’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be pivotal.
Also training hard for the impending challenge is DF Miki Yamane, who transferred to France in January 2025 and has quickly established himself as a regular starter. Yamane’s confidence has risen due to his recent achievement of recording his first assist for his new club, receiving the MOM (Man of the Match) award in a crucial Coupe de France match. He conveyed his mindset ahead of the Bahrain game, stating, "It's an honor to wear the Japan national team emblem. With a chance to secure passage to the World Cup, I feel the intensity of the moment. I want to showcase my abilities and be integral in such critical matches," underscoring his desire to leave an impression on the coaching staff.
His contributions will also depend on the ability to handle one-on-one situations effectively, which he has been focused on improving. "I've learned that achieving a closer distance in duels is crucial, especially against opponents with explosive speed. I’m actively working on preventing crosses," Yamane detailed, highlighting his understanding of the defensive responsibilities that come with playing at an international level.
Morita and Yamane are certainly not alone in feeling the pressure of qualification. MF Takefusa Kubo, playing for Real Sociedad, is making his own preparations for his first World Cup appearance. Acknowledging the stakes, he remarked, "This match is significant, but I believe that maintaining focus on our game is vital. If we give our all against the opponent in front of us, the bonus of World Cup qualification will follow." Kubo added that the previous qualifiers left him with a sense of unfinished business, particularly regarding his absence during the decisive match against Australia three years earlier.
"I’m still frustrated about not being able to play in that match, but I've matured since then, understanding better what it means to fight for the team," Kubo stated, reflecting on his growth. His contributions have been valuable, with five goals scored over his last five appearances for Japan, translating to a perfect record where he finds the net.
As the team intensifies their training efforts, they remain committed to performing well, observing the importance of teamwork and collaboration on the pitch. Kubo remains eager to convert the successes he's enjoyed in club football into equivalent performances for the national team, expressing his desire to leverage his chemistry with fellow teammates.
Looking ahead, victory against Bahrain on the 20th is not just a goal; it symbolizes a chance for redemption for all involved, especially for Kubo, as well as an opportunity to solidify players like Morita and Yamane in their roles on the squad. The decisive match looms large, and as the team readies themselves, the entire nation watches, hoping for another triumphant chapter in Japan's footballing story.
