Japan becomes first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup after host nations

United States, Mexico and Canada have already qualified as host nations.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have qualified as the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, while the majority of nations haven’t even begun their qualifying campaigns.

On June 11 of next year, 48 countries from six confederations will compete in the largest football competition in the world.

The Asian nations are already learning their faith with some of them having already played seven group games, even though the European World Cup qualifications begin this weekend.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have already secured their spots in the tournament and are exempt from qualifying requirements because they are the host countries.

Additionally, the first non-host country has officially guaranteed their spot at the upcoming World Cup. After defeating Bahrain 2-0 in an AFC qualification on Thursday morning, Japan have guaranteed their place in the 2026 event.

Japan beat Bahrain to qualify for the 2026 World Cup which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.#FIFAWorldCup #FIFAWorldCupQualification #FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/FwR7yiFoiw

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) March 20, 2025

Hajime Moriyasu’s team won thanks to goals from Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo and Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada.

They prevailed in seven games and drew two more in qualifying, claiming a spot at the World Cup with one game remaining after winning Group C. Japan’s strong qualification result has led some to view them as possible “dark horses” for the championship.

Along with players like Kamada and Kubo, Japan also have Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Takumi Minamino of Monaco, and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton.

Japan have made seven World Cup appearances, and in 2002, they co-hosted the competition alongside their neighbours, South Korea. They have four times advanced to the round of 16, but they have never advanced to the final eight.

Japan advanced to the Round of 16 at the most recent World Cup in Qatar, defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage before losing to Croatia on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

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