Takumi Minamino and Japan are first to qualify for the World Cup! | OneFootball

Facing Bahrain in the Asian qualifiers for the next World Cup, the Samurai Blue of the Monegasque attacking midfielder won, thus validating their qualification for the competition.

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).

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′).

Photo: Fédération Japonaise de Football – JFA

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’! 🇯🇵