Early 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification shock: Unexpected country clinches first non-host berth – Who could follow suit?

Although many countries have not even played a single match in the qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one country has already guaranteed its spot in the elite event. Alongside the host nations United States, Mexico, and Canada, this team has become the first to book its ticket to the expanded 48-team competition, doing so in a dominant fashion.

While European nations are just beginning their qualifying campaigns and African teams are resuming their own path after a lengthy break, the qualification process in Asia has progressed significantly. One team has taken full advantage, storming through their group to secure World Cup qualification with games to spare.

The team in question is Japan, which confirmed its place at the next World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in an AFC qualifier. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win, ensuring Japan remained unbeaten in their campaign.

Japan’s qualification came with three matches still left to play, marking the fastest World Cup qualification in the nation’s history. With seven wins and just one draw, Japan’s dominance in Group C ensured that no other team could overtake them, guaranteeing them an automatic place in the tournament.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the significance of the moment, expressing gratitude to both his players and supporters. “Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Moriyasu said after the victory, per the Associated Press. “We knew that if we persevered, the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”

New standard for Japan

Unlike their previous World Cup qualification campaign, which saw them struggle early before rallying late to secure a spot at Qatar 2022, Japan’s journey this time has been far more comfortable. With a staggering goal difference of 22 goals, the Samurai Blue have showcased their superiority in Asia. The only blemish on their record was a 1-1 draw against Australia in October, but even that result had little impact on their dominance.

The win over Bahrain was yet another demonstration of Japan’s quality. While they controlled the first half but struggled to break through, Kamada’s goal in the 66th minute opened the floodgates. Three minutes before full-time, Kubo struck from a tight angle to put the result beyond doubt.

The Samurai Blue have appeared in every World Cup since 1998, making this their eighth consecutive tournament. However, despite consistently progressing past the group stage, they have never reached the quarterfinals, exiting in the Round of 16 on four occasions. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan made headlines by defeating both Spain and Germany in the group stage, but their run ended in heartbreak as they were eliminated on penalties by Croatia.

Who could secure its place next?

While Japan has secured its ticket to North America 2026, several other teams in Asia are on the verge of joining them. Iran and South Korea currently sit atop their respective groups and are expected to confirm qualification soon.

Meanwhile, in South America, Argentina could seal their place with victories over Uruguay and Brazil, provided other results go in their favor. Over in Oceania, New Zealand leads the race, though teams like New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tahiti remain in contention for the region’s single automatic spot.