March 18, 2025 3:54 PM
Japan eye win over Bahrain to become first team to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Japan will become the first nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday if they defeat Bahrain at Saitama Stadium as Hajime Moriyasu's side looks to continue their imperious form in Asia's preliminaries. Three points would guarantee Japan a top-two finish in Group C and see them join co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico at next year's finals. The Japanese have dropped only two points from their six qualifiers—a 1-1 draw with Australia in October—and are 10 points ahead o...