Japan become first non-host nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan became the first team after hosts nations to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bahrain 2-0.

The second half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo secured the sport for Samurai Blues from Group C in Asia.

The top two from each of the three six-team groups in the third round of Asian qualifying advance to the World Cup while the third- and fourth-place teams advance to another stage to compete for two more places.

This is eighth straight World Cup for Japan.

The tournament will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico with for the first time 48 teams are participating.

“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”

Meanwhile, Australia swept pass Indonesia 5-1 to stay at second place.

In Group B, South Korea stayed on top and are on course for an 11th straight World Cup appearance despite drawing with Oman 1-1 in Goyang.

South Korea has 15 points, three clear of both Jordan and Iraq. Iraq was held to a 2-2 draw by Kuwait, while Jordan beat the Palestinian national team 3-1. In

Group A, Iran now has 19 points after a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in Tehran to stay three clear of Uzbekistan, which beat Kyrgyzstan 1-0. The UAE and Qatar, which beat North Korea 5-1, both have 10 points.