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SAITAMA, Japan — Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo have ensured the Samurai Blue secured a spot in Asia Group C's top two automatic qualification places. At its eighth straight World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament. Second-place Australia has taken a big step toward qualifying by defeating Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney. South Korea stayed on top of Group B despite drawing with Oman 1-1.
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