Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue secured one of the first spots in Asia Group C’s top two automatic qualification places.

At its eighth successive World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Bahrain coach Dragan Talajic said, “It is not surprising that Japan has qualified, as it is a high-quality team. They will achieve great results at the World Cup.”