Japan becomes first country to secure 2026 World Cup ticket after host countries

Japan beat Bahrain to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Emmanuel Akyereko

Japan have booked their ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following an impressive qualification campaign with Thursday’s win over Bahrain at the Saitama Stadium 2002.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo watched his 9th minute opener chopped off by VAR before Daichi Kamada carved the visitors opened on the 66th minute through an assist by former Real Madrid whizkid Takefusa Kubo.

Kubo, who assisted Kamada’s opener, sealed the win and secured the top spot for the Blue Samurai when he scored the second goal of the game 4 minutes to the end of regulation time.

Hajime Moriyasu’s men have become the first country in the world to qualify and join the co-host nations of the United States of America, Mexico and Canada to reach the finals.

Australia further tightened their grip on the second spot after posting a resounding 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney.