FIFA WORLD CUP: Japan the first to qualify for 2026 finals
TOKYO: Japan have become the first nation to book their place at next year’s World Cup, having sealed their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain.
In doing so, the Samurai Blue have reaffirmed their status as one of Asian football’s powerhouses. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26 in addition to the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
“You deserve this qualification. We all remember the emotions of the last World Cup in Qatar, the emotions that you gave to the entire world in a thrilling qualifying stage, passing the group stage. And we all remember you, as well, as a brilliant co-host of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. See you in North America in 2026.”
One further team will certainly secure their finals ticket this international window, and up to five more could follow suit. On Monday, March 24, history will be made in the final match of the third stage of OFC qualifying. The winners of the clash between New Zealand or Fiji and Tahiti or New Caledonia will claim Oceania’s first-ever guaranteed FIFA World Cup™ berth, with the losing finalists earning a place in the play-off tournament, to be contested in March 2026.
A day later, back in Asia, IR Iran, Iraq, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan could be next in line. Furthermore, Argentina could ensure that they are in the mix to defend their 2022 title depending on their results away to Uruguay tomorrow and at home to arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday, as well as how games elsewhere in South America pan out.
Around the world
After a nine-month break, the African qualifiers resumed this week. However, no CAF representatives at the global extravaganza will be confirmed until June. Also in June, the CONCACAF teams will return to the fray with everything still to play for in the region.
This month’s international window is made all the more special by the fact that UEFA is kicking off its qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26. The first round, which begins tomorrow, will follow a familiar format: there are 12 groups of four or five teams, with the group winners progressing directly to the 2026 showpiece.
By the time the final draw is held in North America towards the end of this year, 42 of the 48 participant will be known, with play-offs to determine the final half-dozen.
The play-off tournament will include teams from five of the six confederations: one each from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and the OFC and two from Concacaf. There are two World Cup places up for grabs in that tournament. In addition, UEFA will hold separate play-offs, in which 16 teams will battle it out for the four remaining European spots.
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