Japan become first nation to qualify for WC Football
Agency :
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup (WC) on Thursday.
Midfielder Kamada came off the bench to put Japan in front after 66 minutes and Kubo added the second three minutes from time to keep the Samurai Blue in pole position in Group-C of Asia’s preliminaries.
The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup (WC).
Iran moved to the cusp of a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in Tehran in Group-A action where Uzbekistan edged closer to their first qualification with a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan.
The first two in each of Asia’s three qualifying groups are certain to progress to the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, with the third- and fourth-placed teams advancing to a further round of play-offs.
Kamada struck three minutes after coming on from the bench at Saitama Stadium, finishing off a move that started with Hiroki Ito finding Ayase Ueda in the centre circle, and his pass released Kubo to set up the Crystal Palace man to score.
Kubo had been Japan’s most potent threat and it was fitting that the Real Sociedad playmaker added the second, beating goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at his near post to put the outcome beyond doubt.
The result means Japan continue to lead Group C by nine points from second-placed Australia, who thrashed Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney in Patrick Kluivert’s first game in charge of the visitors.
Martin Boyle put Australia ahead from the spot and Jackson Irvine scored twice, with Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller also on target to enhance Australia’s qualification hopes.
Saudi Arabia climbed into third place, one point behind Australia, as Salem Al-Dawsari scored his side’s first goal in five qualifiers for a 1-0 win to see off 10-man China, who had Lin Liangmin sent off in first-half injury time in Riyadh.
Iran lead Group-A by three points and need a draw on Tuesday with Uzbekistan to book their ticket after goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammed Mohebi downed third-placed UAE at the Azadi Stadium to open a nine-point gap over Paulo Bento’s side.