Japan Becomes First Non-Host Nation to Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

A 2-0 victory over Bahrain secures Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, with three qualifiers still to play.

Japan defeated Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama, with second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensuring their qualification.
This marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, continuing a streak that began in 1998.
The team leads Group C with 19 points after six wins and one draw in the third round of Asian qualifiers.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu and captain Wataru Endo emphasized ambitions to compete against the world's strongest teams in 2026.
Nearly 60,000 fans celebrated the victory at Saitama Stadium, reflecting Japan's growing prominence in global football.