Japan officially clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup following a convincing 2-0 victory over Bahrain. This win not only secures Japan’s place in the global tournament but also strengthens their position in the standings. Meanwhile, South Korea, despite maintaining their top spot in Group B, faces significant challenges.
Japan’s Impressive Victory
Japan dominated the match against Bahrain, showcasing their superior technique and tactics. The relentless attacks from the Samurai Blue left Bahrain struggling throughout the game.
After holding on for over 60 minutes, Bahrain’s defense finally faltered. In the 65th minute, a brilliant combination play by Japan’s players broke the deadlock. Striker Ayase Ueda’s intelligent pass to Kubo, followed by a perfect through ball to Kamada, allowed the latter to score past the Bahraini goalkeeper, giving Japan a 1-0 lead.
This goal solidified Japan’s dominance. Bahrain was forced to push forward, creating opportunities for Japan to score again. In the 87th minute, midfielder Kubo’s powerful shot sealed a 2-0 victory for the home side.
The win propelled Japan to 19 points, a remarkable 13 points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia. This outcome virtually guarantees Japan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, making them the first Asian team to secure their place in the prestigious tournament.
South Korea Faces Hardships
In a simultaneous match, South Korea played to a 1-1 draw against Oman at home in Goyang. While this result maintained their top spot in Group B with 15 points, it also exposed significant risks.
Despite holding a 4-point lead over Iraq and a 6-point advantage over Jordan, South Korea’s increased match count intensifies the competition with other teams.
Overall Assessment
Japan’s victory and South Korea’s draw mark a significant turning point in the Asian qualifying race for the 2026 World Cup. Japan is now assured of their participation, while South Korea must continue to strive to overcome the remaining challenges and secure their valuable ticket to the tournament.
