On Thursday, Japan secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first nation to qualify after defeating Bahrain 2-0 with second-half strikes from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo.
The dominant leaders of Asian Group C struggled to impress during a cold evening in Saitama until Kamada, who plays for Crystal Palace, broke the deadlock in the 66th minute.
Kubo sealed the win with another goal in the 87th minute, ensuring Japan’s participation in next year’s tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Even with Australia’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Indonesia earlier that evening, Japan would have secured their qualification with just a draw.
However, Kamada ensured they clinched the victory in style, delighting a home crowd of nearly 60,000 fans.
The forward capitalised on Kubo’s clever reverse pass, slotting the ball past Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Kubo then added icing to the cake with a left-footed effort from a challenging angle.
After the final whistle, Japan’s players dashed onto the pitch to celebrate with the home crowd.
Japan’s impressive form in the Asian third round of qualifying has been hard to ignore, with five wins and a draw leading into this match.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu fielded an experienced side that included Premier League players Wataru Endo from Liverpool and Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton.
Captain Endo believed he had scored the opener in the ninth minute, bundling home a loose ball in the box, but the goal was overturned upon VAR review.
Japan kept applying pressure for the goal, although Bahrain threatened on the counter, with Komail Al Aswad missing a great opportunity just after the half-hour mark.
Japan also let chances slip, with Mitoma firing over the bar in what should have been a straightforward finish during first-half injury time.
Moriyasu made changes midway through the second half, introducing Kamada and Junya Ito in place of Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.
The substitutions paid off instantly, with Kamada scoring his ninth international goal to put Japan ahead.
Kubo nearly added a third with a curling shot that Lutfalla managed to tip away just before the final whistle.
Ultimately, with time running out, Kubo secured his goal as Japan confirmed their victory and a place in North America.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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