Japan confirmed its competence once again by becoming the first nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Saitama. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed qualification for Hajime Moriyasu’s side, who continue to lead Group C. Meanwhile, Iran, Australia, and Uzbekistan made significant strides toward joining them in North America next year. With only the top two teams in each Asian qualifying group earning direct berths, the race intensifies. South Korea, despite being held by Oman, still lead Group B but face pressure from Jordan.
Japan Clinch Eighth Straight World Cup Berth
Japan’s composure and clinical finishing ensured they will appear in their eighth consecutive World Cup, after defeating Bahrain 2-0.
Daichi Kamada made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring in the 66th minute after a fluid move orchestrated by Hiroki Ito and Ayase Ueda, who set up Takefusa Kubo, before assisting Kamada’s opener.
Kubo, a constant menace throughout, capped off his performance by netting in the 87th minute, beating goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah at the near post to put the result beyond doubt. The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in Group C and a spot in the finals across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Australia Demolish Indonesia in Dominant Display
Australia kept their qualification hopes firmly on track with a resounding 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney.
Martin Boyle opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Jackson Irvine struck twice to underline the Socceroos’ attacking superiority. Youngsters Nishan Velupillay and Lewis Miller also found the net in a comprehensive performance.
The match marked the managerial debut of Patrick Kluivert as head coach of Indonesia. Despite the defeat, his side showed glimpses of promise but were ultimately outclassed by an experienced Australian lineup.
Saudi Arabia Reignite Campaign with Narrow Win
Salem Al-Dawsari delivered a crucial goal as Saudi Arabia edged past China 1-0 in Riyadh, lifting them to third in Group C, just a point behind Australia.
The Saudis’ win was their first goal in five qualifiers, and came after China were reduced to 10 men with Lin Liangmin’s red card in first-half stoppage time. The result revitalizes Saudi Arabia’s campaign as they push for automatic qualification.
Iran on Brink of Fourth Consecutive World Cup
With a commanding 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates, Iran moved within touching distance of qualification.
Sardar Azmoun and Mohammed Mohebi scored at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, helping Iran open a nine-point gap over the third-placed UAE in Group A. A draw against Uzbekistan in their next match will officially confirm their ticket to the 2026 finals.
Uzbekistan Edge Closer to First World Cup Appearance
Uzbekistan remain in second place in Group A after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan. While not flashy, the victory bolstered their dream of making a historic first appearance at the World Cup.
The Uzbeks now control their destiny and are just a step away from joining Asia’s elite on the world stage. Their consistent performances underline a maturing squad determined to finally break into global football's biggest competition.
Qatar Bounce Back, South Korea Held by Oman
Asian Cup champions Qatar thrashed North Korea 5-1, matching the UAE’s points tally in Group A and boosting their chances of a top-two finish.
In Group B, South Korea stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Oman in Goyang.
Hwang Hee-chan gave Korea the lead in the 41st minute, but Oman’s Ali Al-Busaidi equalized in the 80th. The result keeps Korea atop Group B with 15 points, but Jordan’s 3-1 win over Palestine in Amman means the pressure is mounting.
Compounding Korea’s concerns was an injury to Lee Kang-in, who limped off with an ankle issue—a potential blow for both club and country.
What’s Next: Final Rounds to Decide the Landscape
As the Asian qualifiers progress, the top two teams in each group will earn direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while third- and fourth-placed teams head into an additional playoff round.
With Japan already through, and Iran and South Korea edging closer, attention now turns to crucial head-to-head fixtures that will define the fate of contenders like Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.
The final matchdays promise high drama as the Asian footballing giants and rising powers battle for coveted places on football’s grandest stage.
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