Party in Saitama. Japan with a 2-0 win over Bahrain last night, confirm their qualification for next's years big dance. 10 pts clear of Saudi Arabia (3rd in their pool) with 3 qualifiers left. Must be the first of 45 qualifying teams to do so?
This phase of AFC WC qualifying finishes in June, but NZF should reach out now to see if the Japanese want a game in the September window.
Sth Korea (1st, 15 pts) with a home win over Jordan (2nd, 12 pts) in a few days would also be almost assured of qualification.
A potential East Asian double act for the AWs in Sept.
https://us.soccerway.com/international/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/2026/3rd-round/r70808/
This phase of AFC WC qualifying finishes in June, but NZF should reach out now to see if the Japanese want a game in the September window.
Sth Korea (1st, 15 pts) with a home win over Jordan (2nd, 12 pts) in a few days would also be almost assured of qualification.
A potential East Asian double act for the AWs in Sept.
https://us.soccerway.com/international/asia/wc-qualifying-asia/2026/3rd-round/r70808/