Japan secured their place in the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama on Thursday, becoming the first team to qualify for next year’s tournament.

The match, played in chilly conditions, saw Japan struggle in the first half before Daichi Kamada broke the deadlock in the 66th minute.

The Crystal Palace forward, who had just entered the game, latched onto Takefusa Kubo’s clever pass and fired home past Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla.

Kubo sealed the win in the 87th minute, scoring with a precise left-footed shot from a tight angle to put Japan firmly in control.

While Australia’s earlier 5-1 triumph over Indonesia meant Japan would have advanced even with a draw, Kamada’s goal ensured a dramatic qualification in front of nearly 60,000 fans.

This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

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Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s side had been dominant throughout the Asian third-round qualifiers, entering the match with five wins and one draw.

Japan’s starting lineup included Premier League stars such as Wataru Endo of Liverpool and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton. Endo thought he had given Japan an early lead in the ninth minute, but his goal was ruled out by VAR for a handball.

The first half saw Japan press but waste several chances, including a missed opportunity from Mitoma in injury time. Bahrain also threatened on the counter, with Komail Al Aswad missing a promising opportunity shortly before halftime.

In the second half, Moriyasu made key changes, introducing Kamada and Junya Ito for Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.

The substitutions paid off quickly, with Kamada scoring his ninth international goal to give Japan the lead. Kubo nearly added another, but Lutfalla made a fine save to deny him.

However, Kubo’s second goal in the final minutes ensured Japan’s qualification for the World Cup in North America.

Reported by Punch