Japan became the first non-host nation to earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on Thursday after defeating Bahrain 2-0.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Japan’s continuous growth in the sport
As the tournament approaches, this historic qualification is a testament to Japan’s continuous growth in the sport, its commitment to excellence, and its determination to compete on the world stage.
Japan’s progress in the AFC World Cup Qualification has been incredible. In the seven games they have played thus far, the team has won six and drawn just one. They have only conceded two goals while scoring twenty-four. In the third round of group C, they lead second-place Australia by nine points and a margin of 22 goals.
The team is excited to keep up their performances when the competition begins on June 11, 2026, having advanced to the round of 16 in the last four editions.
Change in structure of the Tournament
The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams for the first time ever, different from the standard 32-team format.
This modification drastically changed the qualifying process, giving clubs from various geographical areas more chances to guarantee their spot in the competition. Securing a place in this upscaled competition presented Japan with a task as well as an opportunity, which they took with both hands.
Samurai Blue’s Road to qualification
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu led Japan to embrace a style of play that incorporated discipline, technical accuracy, and a strong sense of teamwork. After inheriting leadership of the national squad in 2018, Moriyasu’s tactics lay an emphasis on possession of the ball and breaking into fast transitions whenever possible.
With players like Maya Yoshida, Takumi Minamino, and captain Eiji Kawashima playing crucial roles in making sure Japan remained a difficult team to pass through and press, Japan’s defensive stability stood out throughout the season.
Furthermore, The Samurai blue had a wide range of dangerous attacking alternatives, with players like Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma displaying their talent and dribbling skills in the final third of the pitch. Throughout the qualifiers, various players came up to make significant contributions, showcasing the team’s depth and adaptability.
Not only is Japan’s World Cup qualification a significant accomplishment for the country, but it will also be enormous for the Asian football community as a whole.
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