Japan's national soccer team has defeated Bahrain in Asian qualifiers, becoming the first non-host squad to clinch a slot at next year's World Cup. It will be the Samurai Blue's eighth straight appearance in the tournament.
Japan's seventh match of the final preliminary round played out in Saitama City, just north of Tokyo, on Thursday.
Its starting lineup included star players, such as Kubo Takefusa of Spain's Real Sociedad and Mitoma Kaoru of England's Brighton & Hove Albion.
After the first half ended scoreless, Kamada Daichi of England's Crystal Palace came off the bench in the second.
He got a pass from Kubo and coolly slotted the ball into the left corner of the goal in the 66th minute, scoring the opener.
Kubo added a goal with his signature left-foot shot in the 87th minute, helping his side beat Bahrain 2-0.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Japan's seventh match of the final preliminary round played out in Saitama City, just north of Tokyo, on Thursday.
Its starting lineup included star players, such as Kubo Takefusa of Spain's Real Sociedad and Mitoma Kaoru of England's Brighton & Hove Albion.
After the first half ended scoreless, Kamada Daichi of England's Crystal Palace came off the bench in the second.
He got a pass from Kubo and coolly slotted the ball into the left corner of the goal in the 66th minute, scoring the opener.
Kubo added a goal with his signature left-foot shot in the 87th minute, helping his side beat Bahrain 2-0.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Summary
Japan's soccer team, the Samurai Blue, clinched a spot at next year's World Cup in Qatar, making them the first non-host squad to qualify. The victory came against Bahrain during the Asian qualifiers. The match was held in Saitama City, with star players like Kubo Takefusa (Real Sociedad) and
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ID: a10f6ebf-782d-46bf-99e5-b3435ec4c2cc
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250321_02/
Date: March 21, 2025
Created: 2025/03/21 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 05:25
Last Read: 2025/03/21 09:38