Japan is on the verge of making history as the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Samurai Blue have assembled on home soil, with their forwards brimming with confidence after impressive goal-scoring performances over the weekend.
With five wins and one draw in the final round of Asian qualifying, Japan sits atop Group C. A victory—or even a draw—against Bahrain on Thursday would secure their spot at next year’s World Cup with three games to spare, marking their fastest-ever qualification.
Ueda Returns with a Bang
Ayase Ueda, who started Japan’s first four final-stage qualifiers, missed the last two in November due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old also spent much of the following months sidelined for his Eredivisie club, Feyenoord.
However, Ueda made a triumphant return this month, scoring twice in the first half of Feyenoord’s 6-2 victory over Twente on Sunday. His first goal—a powerful header—ended a five-month scoring drought, while his second came from a well-taken half-volley.
“It was my first multi-goal game for Feyenoord. I’m happy I could make an impact,” Ueda said. Since joining the Dutch club in 2023, he has often played a backup role, but with Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez moving to AC Milan and Feyenoord appointing Robin van Persie as manager, Ueda now has a chance to establish himself as a regular starter.
“He’s just taken over, but for me, there’s no better coach,” Ueda said of the former Dutch star. “As a forward, I’ll be asking him for all the advice I can get.”
Maeda’s Red-Hot Form Presents Selection Dilemma
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has made slight adjustments to his squad, calling up Holstein Kiel forward Shuto Machino and Machida Zelvia defender Yuta Nakayama. However, the biggest decision will be who starts up front in the absence of NEC Nijmegen’s Koki Ogawa, who led the line in Japan’s November fixtures.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is a strong contender to compete with Ueda for a starting spot. Traditionally deployed as a winger for both club and country, Maeda has recently flourished in a central striker role. The former J-League top scorer has netted 13 goals in 10 starts for Celtic since February, proving his effectiveness in front of goal.
Maeda arrives in Japan fresh off scoring in Celtic’s 3-2 loss to Rangers on Sunday, where compatriot Reo Hatate also found the net. His recent form gives Moriyasu plenty of options in attack.
“We have Maeda and (Keito) Nakamura playing as forwards for their clubs and performing well,” Moriyasu said. “With so many attacking choices, we believe we can go for the win.”
Japan will face Bahrain at Saitama Stadium before taking on Saudi Arabia five days later, aiming to secure qualification in dominant fashion.
Related topics:
