DOHA: Asian heavyweight Japan have become the first nation to book their place at the FIFA World Cup 26™ through confederation qualifying, having sealed their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. In doing so, the Samurai Blue have reaffirmed their status as one of Asian football’s powerhouses and joined the most exciting and inclusive sporting event of all time in style.
“Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, in addition to the host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” announced FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“You have earned this qualification. We all remember the emotions you brought to the world during the last World Cup in Qatar, from your thrilling performances in the qualifiers to advancing past the group stage. And of course, we recall your role as a brilliant co-host of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. See you in North America in 2026.”
One more team is set to secure their World Cup berth during this international window, with up to five others potentially joining them. On Monday, March 24, history will be made in the final match of the third stage of OFC qualifying. The winners of the showdown—either New Zealand or Fiji against Tahiti or New Caledonia—will claim Oceania’s first-ever guaranteed spot in the FIFA World Cup™, while the losing finalists will earn a place in the intercontinental play-off tournament, scheduled for March 2026.
A day later, attention will shift back to Asia, where IR Iran, Iraq, Korea Republic, and Uzbekistan could be the next teams to punch their tickets. Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina may also secure their place, depending on their results against Uruguay and Brazil, as well as other outcomes in South America’s qualification campaign.
With excitement building, the road to FIFA World Cup 2026 is well underway.
