Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Though many nations haven’t even performed a single match within the {qualifications} for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one nation has already assured its spot within the elite occasion. Alongside the host nations United States, Mexico, and Canada, this crew has turn out to be the primary to e-book its ticket to the expanded 48-team competitors, doing so in a dominant style.
Whereas European nations are simply starting their qualifying campaigns and African groups are resuming their very own path after a prolonged break, the qualification course of in Asia has progressed considerably. One crew has taken full benefit, storming by way of their group to safe World Cup qualification with video games to spare.
The crew in query is Japan, which confirmed its place on the subsequent World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in an AFC qualifier. Targets from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win, making certain Japan remained unbeaten of their marketing campaign.
Japan’s qualification got here with three matches nonetheless left to play, marking the quickest World Cup qualification within the nation’s historical past. With seven wins and only one draw, Japan’s dominance in Group C ensured that no different crew might overtake them, guaranteeing them an automated place within the event.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the importance of the second, expressing gratitude to each his gamers and supporters. “Because of the gamers for his or her efforts and the followers for his or her assist,” Moriyasu stated after the victory, per the Related Press. “We knew that if we persevered, the objectives would come. We’ll try to win our three remaining video games and develop as a crew.”
New commonplace for Japan
Not like their earlier World Cup qualification marketing campaign, which noticed them battle early earlier than rallying late to safe a spot at Qatar 2022, Japan’s journey this time has been way more comfy. With a staggering purpose distinction of twenty-two objectives, the Samurai Blue have showcased their superiority in Asia. The one blemish on their document was a 1-1 draw towards Australia in October, however even that consequence had little impression on their dominance.
The win over Bahrain was yet one more demonstration of Japan’s high quality. Whereas they managed the primary half however struggled to interrupt by way of, Kamada’s purpose within the 66th minute opened the floodgates. Three minutes earlier than full-time, Kubo struck from a decent angle to place the consequence past doubt.
The Samurai Blue have appeared in each World Cup since 1998, making this their eighth consecutive event. Nonetheless, regardless of persistently progressing previous the group stage, they’ve by no means reached the quarterfinals, exiting within the Spherical of 16 on 4 events. On the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan made headlines by defeating each Spain and Germany within the group stage, however their run led to heartbreak as they had been eradicated on penalties by Croatia.
Who might safe its place subsequent?
Whereas Japan has secured its ticket to North America 2026, a number of different groups in Asia are on the verge of becoming a member of them. Iran and South Korea presently sit atop their respective teams and are anticipated to substantiate qualification quickly.
In the meantime, in South America, Argentina might seal their place with victories over Uruguay and Brazil, supplied different outcomes go of their favor. Over in Oceania, New Zealand leads the race, although groups like New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tahiti stay in competition for the area’s single automated spot.
