Japan Clinches Spot with Victory Over Bahrain
Japan secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, becoming the first team to qualify through the Asian qualifiers. They joined host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico in next year’s tournament after a convincing 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama.
Despite a slow start on a chilly evening, Japan eventually found their breakthrough in the 66th minute when substitute Daichi Kamada capitalized on a chance to put the hosts ahead. Takefusa Kubo sealed the win in the 87th minute, delighting the nearly 60,000 fans in attendance.
The victory ensures Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Midfielder Kubo expressed his joy at qualifying at home but emphasized that the team’s true goal is to challenge the world’s best teams at the tournament. The celebrations included an exuberant moment where the players drenched head coach Hajime Moriyasu with water.
Australia Thrashes Indonesia to Stay on Track
Meanwhile, Australia strengthened their bid for qualification with a dominant 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney. The match marked Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert’s first game as Indonesia’s head coach, but it was a harsh debut as the Socceroos outclassed their opponents.
Indonesia missed an early penalty, and Australia swiftly took advantage with two goals in quick succession—Martin Boyle converted a penalty before Nishan Velupillay struck within the opening 20 minutes. A brace from Jackson Irvine and a goal by Lewis Miller secured a comprehensive victory.
Despite the emphatic win, Australian captain Mat Ryan admitted that the scoreline did not fully reflect the game’s intensity, acknowledging Indonesia’s early missed chances.
With the result, Japan leads Group C with 19 points, while Australia sits second with 10 points, four points clear of the chasing pack that includes Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain, and China. The Socceroos now turn their focus to a crucial away match against China on Tuesday.
South Korea Held by Oman but Remain Group Leaders
South Korea took a step closer to World Cup qualification but were denied victory in a 1-1 draw against Oman. Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan gave the hosts the lead in the first half, finishing a well-crafted assist from Lee Kang-in. However, Oman stunned the home crowd at Goyang Stadium when Ali Al Busaidi equalized with a long-range effort in the 80th minute.
Despite the late setback, South Korea remains at the top of Group B with 15 points and three matches left to play, including an upcoming home fixture against Jordan on Tuesday.
Iraq is currently second in the group with 11 points but has played one game fewer. Jordan sits third with nine points, while Oman remains in contention with seven.
As the Asian qualifiers progress, Japan has already secured their ticket to North America, while Australia and South Korea look to follow suit in the coming matches.
