Japan becomes first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The third round of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers resumed on March 20, with Japan becoming the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They join hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico at next year’s finals.

Japan sealed their place with a 2-0 home win over Bahrain. On a chilly night in Saitama, the Group C leaders struggled to break through until Daichi Kamada scored in the 66th minute. Takefusa Kubo added another in the 87th minute, ensuring Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

At least eight teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup next year. Five more teams can still secure direct qualification in this third round, which consists of three groups with six teams each.

Australia strengthens position in Group C
Australia took a big step toward qualification with a commanding 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney. Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert endured a tough start as Indonesia’s head coach, as his team struggled to contain the Socceroos.

Australia struck early, with Martin Boyle and Nishan Velupillay scoring within 20 minutes. Jackson Irvine netted twice, and Lewis Miller added a goal, ensuring a dominant win. Indonesia missed an early penalty, but Australia remained in control throughout.

Japan leads Group C with 19 points, followed by Australia with 10, four points ahead of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain, and China. With three games remaining, Australia’s next test will be an away match against China on Tuesday.

The top two teams from each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams advance to another qualifying round.

Group B: South Korea held but still on course
South Korea remains on track but was held to a 1-1 home draw by Oman. Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan gave South Korea the lead in the first half, finishing off a brilliant pass from Lee Kang-in. However, Ali Al Busaidi stunned the home crowd with a late equalizer from outside the box.

Despite the setback, South Korea leads Group B with 15 points and three matches left, starting with a crucial home game against Jordan on Tuesday. Iraq is second with 11 points, while Jordan (9) and Oman (7) remain in contention.

Group A leaders and the road ahead
Iran tops Group A with 19 points, followed by Uzbekistan (16) and the UAE (10), with all teams having played seven matches.

The third round concludes in June, after which a fourth round will feature two groups of three teams. The winners of each group will qualify for the World Cup.

Additionally, an inter-confederation playoff could allow a ninth Asian team to qualify. This play-off will consist of one team each from Asia, Africa (CAF), South America (CONMEBOL) and Oceania (OFC), and two from CONCACAF – the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.

MT