Japan have become the first nation to book their place at next year’s World Cup, 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. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26 in addition to the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
“You deserve this qualification. We all remember the emotions of the last World Cup in Qatar, the emotions that you gave to the entire world in a thrilling qualifying stage, passing the group stage. And we all remember you, as well, as a brilliant co-host of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. See you in North America in 2026.”
One further team will certainly secure their finals ticket this international window, and up to five more could follow suit. On Monday, March 24, history will be made in the final match of the third stage of OFC qualifying.
The winners of the clash between New Zealand or Fiji and Tahiti or New Caledonia will claim Oceania’s first-ever guaranteed FIFA World Cup™ berth, with the losing finalists earning a place in the play-off tournament, to be contested in March 2026.
A day later, back in Asia, IR Iran, Iraq, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan could be next in line. Furthermore, Argentina could ensure that they are in the mix to defend their 2022 title depending on their results away to Uruguay tomorrow and at home to arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday, as well as how games elsewhere in South America pan out.
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