Japan became the first team to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a decisive 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured Hajime Moriyasu’s side a top-two finish in Group C, sealing their eighth consecutive World Cup qualification.
Japan’s Second-Half Surge
Despite a lackluster first half, Japan found their breakthrough in the 66th minute after substitute Kamada finished off a swift attacking move. Hiroki Ito initiated the play by finding Ayase Ueda, whose pass set up Kubo to assist Kamada for the opener.
Kubo, who had been Japan’s standout performer, doubled the lead three minutes from time with a near-post finish past Bahraini goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah, securing all three points for the Samurai Blue.
Australia Cruise Past Indonesia
Japan’s victory keeps them at the top of Group C, nine points ahead of second-placed Australia, who overcame an early scare to thrash Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney.
Indonesia’s Kevin Diks hit the post from the penalty spot in the eighth minute, but the Socceroos capitalized on the miss. Martin Boyle opened the scoring from the spot before Jackson Irvine netted twice, with Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller adding further goals to boost Australia’s qualification hopes.
Elsewhere in Asian Qualifiers
Saudi Arabia were set to host China in the final Group C fixture of the day.
In Group B, South Korea dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Oman in Goyang. Hwang Hee-chan gave the Koreans the lead in the 41st minute, but Ali Al-Busaidi equalized in the 80th, leaving the hosts frustrated. Adding to their concerns, Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in limped off with an ankle injury. Despite the draw, South Korea remain top of Group B with 15 points, four ahead of Iraq, who face Kuwait later.
Meanwhile, Jordan were preparing to take on Palestine in the other Group B clash.
In Group A, leaders Iran hosted the United Arab Emirates, while second-placed Uzbekistan, trailing by three points, welcomed Kyrgyzstan. Asian champions Qatar, meanwhile, were set to face North Korea as they continued their title defense.
With Japan’s qualification confirmed and other teams battling for spots, the race to the 2026 World Cup is heating up across Asia.
