Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Daichi Kamada in the 66^th minute and Takefusa Kubo in the 87^th minute secured Japan’s place in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This marks Japan’s eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.