With a 2-0 victory against Bahrain, the four-time Asian champion Japan secured early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. For Japan, this marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Besides Japan, only the three host countries USA, Mexico, and Canada are confirmed participants for the World Cup, which will be held for the first time with 48 teams.

Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Victory Against Germany

Daichi Kamada, who plays for Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner, put Japan on track with his goal (66th minute) three minutes after being substituted in at the Saitama Stadium. Takefusa Kubo (87th minute) secured the sixth win in the seventh match of Group C in the third qualification round in Asia. This ensures that Japan cannot be displaced from one of the top two group positions. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the team won against Germany in the group stage, playing a decisive role in the early World Cup exit of the four-time world champion.

(APA/Red)

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