Japan becomes first nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup

The seventh round of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded recently, bringing significant developments across all groups.​

Here’s a few of the notable matches that took place this round:

Group A:

• Iran 2-0 United Arab Emirates: Iran, leading Group A, faced the UAE in a crucial match that solidified their qualification status. ​Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taermi scored for Team Melli, who need only the official stamp before booking their flights to the USA, Mexico and Canada.

• Uzbekistan 1-0 Kyrgyzstan: The Uzbeks are only one win away from guaranteeing their spot in the World Cup for the first time ever. A narrow victory over stubborn Kyrgyzstan with a goal by Khojiakbar Alizhonov made the difference.

Group B:

• South Korea 1-1 Oman: South Korea were held to a draw by Oman, affecting their momentum in the qualifiers. ​Oman eyeing the spot for the fourth round against Palestine and Kuwait.

• Iraq 2-2 Kuwait: A dramatic encounter in Basra produced a thriller with a tremendously late goal to keep Iraq’s World Cup dream. Yousef Naser scored a brace to give Kuwait a shocking 2-0 lead, but two goals in stoppage time by Akam Hashem (93rd minute) and Ibrahim Bayesh in the 101st minute equalized the result and rescued Iraq’s hopes for a direct ticket to the World Cup.

• Jordan 3-1 Palestine: Al Nashameh rocked Palestine with goals by Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib and Mousa Al Taamari, with Tamer Seyam scoring one for Palestine in between.

Group C:

• Japan 2-0 Bahrain: Japan secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a victory over Bahrain. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada (66') and Takefusa Kubo (87') ensured Japan's top-two finish in the group, marking their eighth consecutive World Cup qualification.

• Australia 5-1 Indonesia: Australia strengthened their qualification prospects with a commanding win against Indonesia. Goals were scored by Jackson Irvine, Martin Boyle (penalty), Nishan Velupillay, and Lewis Miller. Indonesia's Ole Romeny netted a late consolation goal.

Upcoming Round 8 Fixtures to Watch:

• Japan vs. China: China's World Cup aspirations face a stern test against the already-qualified Japan. In their previous encounter, Japan dominated with a 7-0 victory. ​

• Australia vs. China: Australia will aim to maintain their strong form against China, seeking to secure their position in the group.​

• South Korea vs. Jordan: South Korea will look to regain its winning form against Jordan to bolster its hopes for qualification.​

These fixtures are crucial as teams vie for automatic qualification spots or aim to improve their standings for potential playoff positions.​