Japan will be at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico in little over a year’s time after Leeds United star Ao Tanaka helped his country beat Bahrain on Thursday.
Despite Australia’s 5-1 win over Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia earlier on in the day, Japan required a win to book their place at next summer’s World Cup. They secured the win, becoming the first country to qualify.
Tanaka is one of 16 players on the Leeds books to be called-up by their nations this month, and the third to play. Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers turned out for Wales and Scotland’s U19 sides on Wednesday.
Tanaka actually started the game on the bench and only came on at half-time after a frustrating first 45 minutes. But, Tanaka played a key role in Japan eventually winning 2-0, earning praise from Japan fans.
What Japanese media thought about Ao Tanaka on Thursday
Japan scored two goals in the second half, the first coming from substitute Daichi Kamada with the Crystal Palace ace only coming on a few minutes prior to his goal. Takefusa Kubo got Japan’s second.
A comfortable win, the sixth of seven games in their AFC qualifying campaign. Japan have three games to spare in the qualification process, the first of which will be Tuesday morning’s clash against Saudi Arabia.
Japanese outlet Football Channel handed Elland Road player Tanaka a rating of 6/10, saying: “Although he entered the match at a difficult time, he remained calm and did not disrupt the tean’s rhythm.”
Web Ultra Soccer also handed Tanaka a 6/10, reporting: “Brought in early in the second half, proving his progress since moving to England. In good condition, he played as a balancer on the offensive side.”
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Japan in win over Bahrain on Thursday
Tanaka did nothing spectacular but immediately improved the energy in midfield. The passing was better, the movement in front of him was quicker in reaction to that and it helped Japan get up the pitch.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Japan on Thursday morning:
- 45 minutes, 6.3 FotMob rating
- 49 touches, 41 successful passes, 46 attempted
- Three passes into final third
- One duel won, four lost
Up next for Tanaka is the eighth game in Japan’s qualifying group with qualification for the 2026 World Cup now sorted. But then, perhaps more important matter – Swansea at Elland Road on Saturday.
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