The Japanese national football team made history on March 20, 2025, by defeating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium 2002. This victory secured Japan's spot in the 2026 North American World Cup, marking the team's eighth consecutive appearance in the tournament. Moreover, the qualification with three matches remaining is recognized as the fastest in history, aside from host nations.
In the match against Bahrain, Japan was initially thwarted when Ao Tanaka's opening goal was disallowed. However, the team's determination shone through when Daichi Kamada, substituted for Kosei Minamino in the 63rd minute, found the net in the 66th minute. Takefusa Kubo, who showed his brilliance throughout the game, added the second goal in the 87th minute, sealing the victory.
Following the win, Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed his pride in the team's achievement. "I am genuinely thrilled that we were able to secure our place in the World Cup. This is a significant milestone for Japanese soccer, and I’m grateful for the efforts of our players and staff," Moriyasu stated during a press conference the day after the match, alongside captain Wataru Endo.
Endo, who has risen to prominence as captain since the Qatar World Cup, remarked on the importance of setting high aspirations for the team. "Setting goals is crucial for athletes. If the target is too high, it becomes difficult, but if it’s too low, it’s not beneficial. Given our current atmosphere and the players, I believe our best course is to aim for World Cup victory. That is why we are aiming for it," he shared.
Japan's campaign since the 2022 World Cup has been sculpted by a fierce commitment to improvement. After their journey in Qatar, where they reached the knockout stages, players have bolstered their club experiences in Europe. The current squad boasts 15 players with experience in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, a significant increase from just 7 during the last World Cup in Qatar.
Moriyasu's strategy focuses heavily on fostering a competitive environment among players while enhancing individual capabilities. He noted, "The growth of individuals contributes to the growth of the team. It’s essential for players to rise to higher levels in their respective clubs. This, in turn, strengthens the team for challenges ahead." The coach also pointed out that players like Endo, who transferred from VfB Stuttgart to Liverpool, are part of this ambitious strategy.
The fast-paced style of the final qualifying round also gave Japan an edge. Playing against teams that regularly compete in high-pressure environments, such as the Champions League, has equipped the players with resilience. Moriyasu emphasized that this experience is invaluable preparation for the World Cup itself, where maintaining form throughout potentially eight consecutive matches is essential.
As Japan sets its eyes on future competitions, Moriyasu highlighted the need for constant evolution. "There is no room for complacency. We must continually challenge ourselves and progress beyond our current state. Our immediate focus must be on providing the best performance as we aim for the World Cup," he said, reflecting on the team's solid form through the qualifiers.
Japan's next steps involve further refinement. With the EAFF E-1 Soccer Championship and the Kirin Challenge Cup on the horizon, Moriyasu stressed the importance of leveraging these opportunities to enhance the squad leading up to the World Cup. "We still have three matches left in the qualifiers, and we’ll be looking to refine our strategy further," he explained.
In retrospect, the qualification not only highlights Japan's growth as a soccer powerhouse in Asia but also showcases the vibrant support from their fans. Coach Moriyasu, already becoming a historic figure as the first coach to lead the national team to two World Cups, emphasized the role of supporters. "It’s our joy to see the fans and supporters happy with our success. Their support encourages us to strive for greater heights," he concluded.
Looking beyond the immediate success, players like Kubo, who contributed significantly to this match with a goal and an assist, also recognized the fleeting nature of their current triumph. "It’s a relief to have qualified, but now is a new beginning. With over a year until the World Cup, we must work on improving our performance and remain competitive," Kubo reflected after the match.
This swift qualification marks a pivotal moment for Japan's national soccer team, bringing renewed hope and excitement for what lies ahead in their quest for World Cup glory. With a mix of young talent and experienced players ready to rise to the occasion, expectations are high as they prepare for the world's biggest stage.
