Japan turns into first staff to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after host nations

Japan turned the primary staff to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Second-half targets from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue secured a spot in Asia Group C’s prime two automated qualification locations.

At its eighth successive World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts america, Canada and Mexico within the expanded 48-team event.

“Because of the gamers for his or her efforts and the followers for his or her help,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu mentioned. “We knew that if we persevered that the targets would come. We’ll attempt to win our three remaining video games and develop as a staff.”

Bahrain coach Dragan Talajic mentioned, “It isn’t shocking that Japan has certified, as it’s a top quality staff. They’ll obtain nice outcomes on the World Cup.”

Earlier, second-placed Australia took a giant step in the direction of a seventh look by defeating Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney within the customer’s first sport underneath new coach Patrick Kluivert.

Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed a penalty within the eighth minute, and 10 minutes later Martin Boyle made no mistake along with his spot kick to place the Socceroos forward.

Nishan Velupillay and Jackson Irvine scored earlier than the break and Lewis Miller made it 4-0 on the hour. Ole Romeny pulled one again for Indonesia earlier than Irvine grabbed his second and the hosts’ fifth.

The highest two from every of the three six-team teams within the third spherical of Asian qualifying advance to the World Cup whereas the third- and fourth-placed groups advance to a different stage to compete for 2 extra locations.

South Korea stayed on prime of Group B and heading in the right direction for an eleventh successive World Cup look regardless of drawing with Oman 1-1 in Goyang, simply north of Seoul.

Ahead Hwang Hee-chan put South Korea forward simply earlier than the break and Oman earned a degree via Ali Al-Busaidi’s Eightieth-minute objective.

“Individuals might imagine this qualification spherical is simple however we now have to work so arduous for each match,” South Korea captain Son Heung-min mentioned. “A match like this could educate us a lesson. We’ve to take no matter optimistic we are able to from this.”

Reporting by The Related Press.

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