Japan qualifies for 2026 World Cup, aims for historic victory

Japan has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team to secure a spot after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. Led by captain Wataru Endo, the team aims to become the first Asian side to win the tournament, moving beyond just participation to aspire for a championship. With six wins and a draw in their qualifying campaign, Japan is positioned in a challenging group alongside Saudi Arabia and Australia but has shown significant progress, largely thanks to a generation of overseas-based players. Endo emphasized that the team's focus is on winning, not merely qualifying, echoing the sentiments of the squad that views reaching the finals as just the beginning. Japan's footballing success has roots in the professionalization of its domestic league and a long-term development strategy that began in the 1990s. The team looks to build on previous World Cup performances, aiming to surpass their best finish in the knockout stages.