Japan qualify for 2026 World Cup

SAITAMA, Japan (AP):

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium yesterday.

Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue secured a spot in Asia Group C's top two automatic qualification places.

At their eighth straight World Cup, Japan join co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.

"Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. "We knew that, if we persevered, that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team."

Earlier, second-place Australia took a big step toward a seventh appearance by defeating Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney in the visitors' first game under new coach Patrick Kluivert.

Indonesia's Kevin Diks missed a penalty in the eighth minute, and, 10 minutes later, Martin Boyle converted his spot kick to put the Socceroos ahead.

Nishan Velupillay and Jackson Irvine scored before the break, and Lewis Miller made it 4-0 on the hour. Ole Romeny scored for Indonesia before Irvine grabbed his second and the hosts' fifth.

The top two from each of the three six-team groups in the third round of Asian qualifying advance to the World Cup while the third- and fourth-place teams advance to another stage to compete for two more places.