Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo celebrates scoring for Japan against Bahrain in Saitama, Japan, on March 20. AFP . Japan ...

After matchday eight of Asia's World Cup qualifiers, ESPN's writers answer the burning questions, provide analysis and break ...

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium.

The European qualifiers for the World Cup may have only just begun but four nations have already booked their place at the ...

UEFA Japan last week became the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Iran joined the Samurai Blue on ...

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the ...

Japan's football team has secured its place in the 2026 World Cup, stirring excitement not just within Asia but across the globe. Following their impressive performance in the World Cup qualifiers, ...

Japan became the first national team to qualify through the World Cup qualifiers, with New Zealand and Argentina also ...

As the world gears up for the first expanded 48-team tournament, Japan has secured its spot alongside Iran, marking a significant step for Asian football. Set against the backdrop of the Asian ...

The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot.

Fans show blue balloon with Japan soccer logo before the World Cup 2026 group C qualifying soccer match between Japan and ...