Japan Book 2026 World Cup Spot After Bahrain Win

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday after securing a 2-0 victory over Bahrain, while Australia surged closer with a dominant win, and South Korea edged nearer despite being held to a draw.

Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed Japan’s place alongside hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico at next year’s finals. The Asian Group C leaders took time to find their rhythm on a chilly night in Saitama, but Kamada broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before Kubo doubled the lead in front of nearly 60,000 fans in the 87th.

The result ensures Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

“I’m relieved we could qualify at home in front of our supporters,” said Kubo, who celebrated with teammates by soaking coach Hajime Moriyasu with water. “But this isn’t our goal — we want to challenge the world’s best at the World Cup.”

Australia remain in strong contention to join them, thrashing Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney to stay second in Group C. The Socceroos struck twice in two minutes through a Martin Boyle penalty and a Nishan Velupillay goal, before Jackson Irvine netted a brace and Lewis Miller added a fifth. Indonesia had earlier missed a penalty, and Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan admitted the scoreline was flattering.

“They had two big chances early on,” Ryan said. “If they’d scored, it could have been a different story.”

Australia now have 10 points, four ahead of a chasing pack that includes Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain, and China. They travel to China on Tuesday for a key fixture. The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups will qualify automatically, while those finishing third and fourth will enter further playoffs.