Japan has become the first nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup billed to hold in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Japan defeated Bahrain two nil to take an unassailable lead in group c of the Asian qualifiers with three matches remaining in the campaign.

Daichi Kamanda and Takefusa Kudo scored in the second half to ensure that Japan remain unbeaten in the campaign.

The Samurai Blues now have 19 points from 7 matches.

The four times Asian champions who made their debut in 1998 will make their eight appearance at the 23rd fifa world cup in 2026.