Samurai Blue - Japan Qualify for 2026 World Cup

The 2-0 win over Bahrain at the Saitama 2002 Stadium sees the Samurai Blue advance to the 2026 World Cup - and are the first side (bar the hosts) to qualify for the tournament.

Goals from Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo and Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada saw Japan march on in a textbook 2-0 win against the visitors.

Japan dominated on possession with 61% over Bahrain's 39. While a poor shot on target ratio 12 attempts to only four on goal, still meant Japan were more clinical and deserved the win.

Takefusa Kubo took the man of the match award after providing an assist for substitute Daichi Kamada before putting himself on the scoresheet too.

The curious thing about the performance is that two substitutes were involved in the goals - with only Kubo being the starter involved.

Moriyasu's changes proved crucial as Reims winger Junya Ito also helped set up Kubo's goal, putting the final nail in the coffin for Bahrain.

Fans also saw Leeds boy Ao Tanaka complete a full 45 minutes in the second half.

Will the final selection for the 2026 World Cup feature these players?