Japan became the first team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured Japan finished in one of Asia Group C's top two automatic qualification spots.
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This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, and they will join co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Earlier, Australia, currently in second place, moved closer to their seventh World Cup appearance with a 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney. The match was Indonesia’s first under new coach Patrick Kluivert.
Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed a penalty in the 8th minute, and Martin Boyle capitalised on his own penalty 10 minutes later to give the Socceroos the lead. Nishan Velupillay and Jackson Irvine added goals before halftime, and Lewis Miller extended the lead to 4-0 an hour into the game. Ole Romeny scored a consolation for Indonesia before Irvine netted his second, sealing a 5-1 win for the hosts.
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The top two teams from each of the three six-team groups in the third round of Asian qualifying will advance to the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will compete in another stage for two more spots.