Japan have become the first team to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium.

Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue sealed one of the top-two automatic qualification spots in Group C on Thursday.

Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada came off the bench to break the deadlock in the 66th minute, before Kubo doubled the lead three minutes from time.

Eighth Consecutive World Cup for Japan

This marks Japan’s eighth successive appearance at the World Cup finals. Their sixth victory in seven matches guarantees their place at the expanded 48-team tournament, joining co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

After an underwhelming first half, head coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced Kamada in the 63rd minute, and the 28-year-old made an immediate impact.

The opening goal stemmed from a well-worked move, beginning with defender Hiroki Ito’s pass to Ayase Ueda in the centre circle. Ueda then played in Kubo, who set up Kamada to finish clinically.

Kubo, Japan’s most dangerous attacking threat throughout the match, deservedly got on the scoresheet himself. The Real Sociedad playmaker sealed the victory with a near-post strike past Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah.

Japan Extend Lead in Group C

The result keeps Japan nine points clear at the top of Group C, ahead of second-placed Australia. The Socceroos overcame an early scare to thrash Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney, with Jackson Irvine netting twice.

The top two teams from each of the three six-team groups in the third round of Asian qualifying will advance to the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will progress to the next stage, where they will compete for two additional qualification spots.