Takumi Minamino and Japan are first to qualify for the World Cup!
They are the first to have punched their ticket! Already very well on their way to the qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup in Group C of the Asian zone, the teammates of Takumi Minamino have definitively confirmed their presence in America next year. Facing Bahrain team on Matchday 7, Japan were indeed patient to finally record their sixth win (2-0).
＼🏆本戦出場決定🏆／
2026年。
世界に挑む #SAMURAIBLUE へ#最高の景色を で応援メッセージを届けよう！私たちの想いが、選手たちの力になる。
さぁ、ともにいこう。#jfa #daihyo #サッカー日本代表 pic.twitter.com/n9rCK4vM7A— サッカー日本代表 🇯🇵 (@jfa_samuraiblue) March 20, 2025
First country to qualify!
This result equates to their qualification for the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This makes them the first nation—outside the host countries—to secure their place in the global competition!
Starting with a 3-4-3 under coach Hajime Moriyasu, Taki played 63 minutes before being replaced by the first goalscorer, Daichi Kamada (1-0, 66′).
A second match against the Saudis
It was then Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo who sealed the Japanese victory in the match’s final moments (2-0, 87′), effectively sealing the Samurai Blue’s qualification. All this, before the last three matches of these qualifiers, including the match against Saudi Arabia scheduled for Tuesday in Japan (11:35). The Monaco number 18, who recently extended his contract until 2027, is therefore the first Rouge et Blanc to be certain of playing in the World Cup. Daghe Taki’! 🇯🇵
🔹𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗜 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘🔹
応援ありがとう！👏
感謝の気持ちを込めて、選手たちからスタンドへボールをプレゼント⚽️🎁#鈴木彩艶 #板倉滉 #久保建英 #南野拓実🏆FIFA #ワールドカップ 26アジア最終予選(3次予選)
🇯🇵 2-0 🇧🇭#最高の景色を #SAMURAIBLUE#jfa #daihyo #サッカー日本代表 pic.twitter.com/CX3tX1PPfw— サッカー日本代表 🇯🇵 (@jfa_samuraiblue) March 20, 2025
📆 Japan:
2026 AFC World Cup Qualifying
Thursday, March 20 (11:35) : Japan 2-0 Bahrain at Saitama Stadium in Saitama (Japan)
Tuesday, March 25 (11:35) : Japan – Saudi Arabia at Saitama Stadium in Saitama (Japan)
