Japan’s run at the 2022 Qatar World Cup was called “magical” by some pundits, but that result would be a disappointment for Samurai Blue members who are preparing for the 2026 tournament.

Japan are the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Here's how they did so -- in sheer dominant fashion.

On Thursday, with a 2-0 win over Bahrain, the Samurai Blue are assured of a top-two finish in Group C and the accompanying prize of a guaranteed berth at the next World Cup, which will be their ...