Overview
- Japan leads Group C with an undefeated record, scoring 22 goals and conceding only twice in six matches, and needs a win against Bahrain to secure qualification.
- Coach Hajime Moriyasu has emphasized focus on the immediate task, with a full-strength squad featuring Europe-based players like Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma.
- Bahrain's coach Dragan Talajić has expressed confidence in delaying Japan's qualification, citing his team's motivation and past successes during Ramadan.
- South Korea, leading Group B, can secure qualification with wins over Oman and Jordan but faces challenges due to the absence of key defender Kim Min-jae.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with co-hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico already qualified.