An increasingly multicultural Japan have qualified for the 2026 World Cup
The rise of the Samurai Blue has gone hand-in-hand with increased integration of ‘haafu’ into society, although things are still not perfect
Through Japan’s previous seven World Cup appearances, the progress of its men’s national team has reflected the country’s ascent within the global soccer community, a result of three decades of professionalism and grassroots development producing a steady stream of Europe-ready players.
On Thursday, that streak of consecutive appearances in men’s soccer’s showpiece event was officially extended to eight, as Japan’s 2-0 win over Bahrain made them the first non-host country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
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Japan first nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Japan become the first nation to book their place in the 2026 World Cup through qualifying after defeating Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama.Yahoo Sports - 18h -
🏆 The 2026 World Cup has its first qualified nation 🌏
Japan have become the first team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.Or at least, the Blue Samurai are the first nation to punch their ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer via the ...Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Japan becomes the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after host nations
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama StadiumABC News - 19h -
Japan become 1st side to qualify for '26 World Cup
Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama on Thursday to become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.ESPN - 3h -
'Relieved' Japan first team to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo gave them a 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday."This here is not our goal -- ...Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Endo urges fans to believe Japan can win World Cup
Wataru Endo said Japan can win the 2026 World Cup after becoming the first team to qualify and the Liverpool ace urged fans to buy into the ambitious target."Qualifying for the World Cup is an ...Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Japan first to seal World Cup spot as S. Korea, Australia, Iran get closer
Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as South Korea were held but still inched closer along with a rampant Australia and a dominant Iran.Australia remain in ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Road to the 2026 World Cup: how is it shaping up with 48 places at stake?
With more teams to qualify than ever we take a look at the situation in the six confederations, from Japan being close to securing their place to Brazil’s struggles. The road to the 2026 World Cup, ...The Guardian - 1d -
Endo says Japan won't be satisfied just to reach World Cup
Liverpool's Wataru Endo said Japan's sights are set higher than just qualifying for next year's World Cup as they look to become the first team to clinch their place on Thursday."I want us to ...Yahoo Sports - 1d
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