Although many countries have not even played a single match in the qualifications for 2026 FIFA VMA country has already guaranteed its place in the elite event. Further to the host nations USA, Mexico and CanadaThis team has become the first to book their ticket to the extended 48 team competition and do so in a dominant way.
While European countries are just starting their qualified campaigns and African teams resuming their own way after a long breakThe qualification process in Asia has been significantly developed. A team has taken full benefit, storms through their group to secure World Cup qualification with games to save.
The team in question is Japanesewho confirmed their place at Next World Cup after one 2-0 victory over Bahrain in an AFC qualification. Goals from Daichi Kamada and takefusa Kubo Sealing the victory and ensured that Japan remained undefeated in his campaign.
Japan’s qualification came with Three matches left to playMarks the fastest World Cup qualification in the country’s history. With seven wins and just one moveJapan’s dominance in Group C. Make sure that no other team could get over them, which guaranteed them an automatic place in the tournament.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu recognized the meaning of the moment and expressed gratitude to both their players and supporters. “Thanks to the players for their efforts and fans for their support,” Moriyasu said after the victory, Per Associated Press. “We knew that if we continued, the goals would come. We will try to win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”
New standard for Japan
Unlike their previous World Cup qualification campaignWho saw them fight early before collecting late to secure a place on Qatar 2022, Japan’s journey this time has been much more comfortable. With an astonishing goal difference of 22 goalsSamurai Blue has shown its superiority in Asia. The only spot on their disc was one 1-1 pull toward Australia in OctoberBut even that result had little impact on their dominance.
The win over Bahrain was another demonstration of Japan’s quality. While they checked the first half but struggled to break through, Kamada’s goal in the 66th minute opened the flood gates. Three minutes before full -time, Kubo struck from a narrow angle to put the result over doubt.
Samurai Blue has appeared in Every World Cup since 1998which makes this to their eighth tournament in a row. Despite the consistently going past the group step, They have never reached the quarterfinalsDeparture in the round of 16 on four occasions. At 2022 World Cup in QatarJapan made headlines with defeat both Spain and Germany in the group stageBut their driving ended in heart damage when they were eliminated on penalties of Croatia.
Who can secure their place next?
While Japan has secured his ticket to North America 2026Several other teams in Asia are about to go with them. Iran and South Korea Currently sitting on top of their respective groups and is expected to confirm the qualification soon.
Meanwhile in South AmericaThe Argentina could seal her place With victories over Uruguay and BrazilAssuming other results go to their advantage. Over in OceaniaThe New Zealand leads the raceAlthough teams like New Kaledonia, Fiji and Tahiti remain in violation of the region’s only automatic location.
