🔴 Official: The first country qualified for the 2026 World Cup!

Japan has secured the first qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup after their 2-0 victory against Bahrain, during the seventh matchday of the third phase of Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The "Samurai" team has booked their ticket for the North American World Cup even before the end of the third qualifying phase, with three matchdays remaining.

Japan, first to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Japan will participate in the World Cup for the eighth consecutive time, following the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 editions, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The goals against Bahrain were scored by Daichi Kamada, a player for Crystal Palace in England, in the 66th minute, and Takefusa Kubo, a player for Real Sociedad in Spain, in the 87th minute, during the match held this Thursday at the "Saitama" International Stadium.

It is noteworthy that the 23rd edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will, for the first time in the competition's history, feature 48 teams.

Also read: Complete schedule of the 6th matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers!

Mohamed Rek |

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Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.