Internationals: Japan book their spot at FIFA World Cup 2026

Japan have now become the first nation to join the co-hosts at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 2-0 win over Bahrain to extend their points lead to 13 points at the top of the AFC qualifying table. The Samurai Blue counted on AS Monaco star Takumi Minamino in the starting XI, and there were substitute appearances for Reims pair Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito.

Daichi Kamada scored in the 66th minute before Tukefusa Kubo finished the job three minutes before the end of the 90 minutes. It's a result that has meant Hajime Moriyasu's men have managed to qualify for Japan's eight successive World Cup Finals.

AFC qualifying also saw involvement for Australia and Racing Club de Lens goalkeeper Mat Ryan as the Socceroos made a step closer to qualification after defeating Indonesia 5-1. The Sang & Or shot-stopper has now become the third most-capped Socceroo of all-time after his 98th appearance for Australia.

What's Coming up in CAF and AFC qualifying? 

After a nine month break from action, FIFA World Cup qualifying is returning to Africa with all the Ligue 1 representatives involved. Last night already saw Cameroon held by Eswatini (0-0) with involvement from Toulouse FC's Franck Magri, and Rennes' Christopher Wooh.

PSG's Achraf Hakimi and Morocco will be in action on 21st March in Group E with the Atlas Lions riding an undefeated streak which stretches back more than a year. They go into the game with Monaco's Eliesse Ben Seghir and Olympique de Marseille's Bilal Nadir as well as Le Havre attacker Oussama Targhalline.

Nigeria will be back in action against Group C qualifying leaders Rwanda with new manager Éric Chelle, who spent time in France as manager of Ligue 2 BKT side FC Martigues. FC Nantes winger Moses Simon will be back with the Super Eagles.

Senegal will be hoping to overtake Group B leaders Sudan, and are full of confidence after going on a two-year unbeaten run in all competitions. AS Monaco winger Krépin Diatta has returned to the fold, with Strasbourg's Habib Diarra and Lyon's Moussa Niakhaté also in action.

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