The FIFA World Cup 2026 has less than 450 days to go, and we have the first qualifying side for the tournament. The AFC side Japan has booked its place for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
After the co-hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, who have directly qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, we have the fourth team for the next FIFA World Cup, Japan. It will be the first time when we will experience more than 32 teams in a FIFA World Cup as, 48 teams will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including three hosts. Out of 48 teams, including 45 participants from qualifications, the AFC has eight direct slots and one playoff, and Japan have taken away the one direct slot from the AFC.
FIFA World Cup Qualification (AFC), 3rd Round: Japan need one more point last three matches to seal the top spot in Group C
In the ongoing third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualification (AFC), Japan have dominated Group C and confirmed the top two places on Thursday (20 March) to book their spot for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their other Group C opponents are Australia (10 points), Saudi Arabia (9 points), Indonesia (6 points), Bahrain (6 points), and China (6 points).
At the end of the seventh round of Group C in the third round, Japan have earned 19 points with six wins and one 1-1 home draw against Australia. On Thursday, hosts Japan beat Bahrain by 2-0 to book their FIFA WC 2026 place. Daichi Kamada (66’) and Takefusa Kubo (87’) scored goals for the Samurai Blues in the second half of the latest fixture.
Japan have recorded 24 goals and conceded only two goals in the third round. In the ongoing round, Kōki Ogawa scored four goals while Takumi Minamino and Hidemasa Morita have scored three goals each for Samurai Blues. While they still have three more matches in the ongoing round, they need one more point to secure the top spot of Group C in the ongoing third round of the AFC qualifications for the FIFA WC 2026.
FIFA World Cup Qualification (AFC), 2nd Round: Japan were Group B champions with 24 goals and 0 conceding in 6 games
While Japan started their FIFA WC 2026 qualification journey in the second round, they ended that round as the Group B champions after recording 18 points for securing six out of six wins. While their opponents in that group were North Korea, Syria, and Myanmar, Japan recorded 24 goals and didn’t concede a single goal. During the second round of the AFC qualifications for the FIFA WC 2026, Japanese Ayase Ueda scored six goals, the third most goals in that round.
Here are some key FIFA World Cup qualification stats for Japan
Japan became the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. After the hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada, Japan is the fourth nation confirming a spot for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
It will be Japan’s eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance. Samurai Blues made their World Cup debut in the 1998 edition, and then they qualified for the next seven FIFA WC editions, including as co-hosts in the 2002 edition.
Japan’s best records in FIFA World Cup history
Japan reached the Round of 16 four times, which is their best record in the FIFA World Cup. After recording their first Round of 16 appearance in the 2002 edition while they were co-hosts, they achieved the same feat in the 2010, 2018, and 2022 editions.