Japan’s Unstoppable Journey to the 2026 World Cup

Japan have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team to qualify apart from the co-hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Samurai Blue’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their dominance in the Asian qualifiers.

Dominant Start in the Second Round

Japan entered the second round of the qualifiers with high expectations, and they did not disappoint. With six consecutive wins, they scored 24 goals without conceding a single one. Their campaign began with a 5-0 victory over Myanmar, and they continued to impress with a 3-0 walkover against North Korea. The highlight was their performance against Syria, where they twice scored five goals.

Key Players Shine

Ayase Ueda emerged as a standout player, netting six goals, while Ritsu Dōan, Keito Nakamura, and Kōki Ogawa also made significant contributions. Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s faith in Ueda as the spearhead of the attack has been well justified.

Third Round: Continued Supremacy

Japan’s dominance continued into the third round, starting with a staggering 7-0 victory over China. Takumi Minamino, Junya Itō, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo all found the net, showcasing Japan’s attacking prowess. A 5-0 away win against Bahrain further solidified their position, with Ueda scoring a brace and Hidemasa Morita adding two goals.

Against Saudi Arabia, Japan issued a statement of intent with a 2-0 victory, despite the intimidating away environment. Daichi Kamada and Kōki Ogawa were the goal scorers, taking Japan’s goal tally to 38 from just nine matches.

The Only Blemish

Japan’s perfect record was only marred by a 1-1 draw at home against Australia. Despite the setback, Japan bounced back with a 4-0 victory over Indonesia and a 3-1 win against China, ensuring their place in the World Cup.

Securing Qualification

The final confirmation came with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. Takefusa Kubo’s brilliance was on full display, creating and scoring a goal that left fans in awe. With this win, Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, cementing their status as one of the continent’s powerhouses.

Looking Ahead

Japan’s remaining qualifiers include matches against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Indonesia. However, with their place already secured, the focus will shift to preparing for the main event in 2026.

Japan’s journey to the 2026 World Cup is a testament to their consistency, talent, and determination. The Samurai Blue are ready to shine on football’s biggest stage once again.