Japan triumphed over China with a resounding 7-0 victory at home to kick off their 2026 World Cup final-round Asian qualifiers on Thursday, 5 September. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Japan, who had previously lost in this fixture during their last two final-round campaigns. The match took place at Saitama Stadium, where goals from Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo secured the win. Japan, currently ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, dominated the game, leaving China, ranked 87th, with only one shot throughout the match.
Background
Japan’s commanding performance in this match is a stark contrast to their previous encounters with China in the final-round qualifiers. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets a strong precedent for their campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the finals, making every match crucial.
First-half dominance
Japan opened the scoring in the 12th minute when a corner found an unmarked Wataru Endo, who buried a header to give the home team an early lead. Kaoru Mitoma doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time with another header, ensuring Japan went into the break with a 2-0 lead. The early goals set the tone for the rest of the match, showcasing Japan’s offensive prowess and tactical superiority.
Second-half onslaught
The second half saw Japan continue their dominance. Takumi Minamino scored twice, in the 52nd and 58th minutes, further extending Japan’s lead. Junya Ito, who came on as a substitute, added a fifth goal in the 77th minute. Late goals from Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo completed the rout, leaving China with no chance of a comeback. “It was a complete team effort,” said Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu. “The players executed the game plan perfectly.”
China’s struggles
China’s performance was lacklustre, managing only one shot throughout the entire game. Their inability to break through Japan’s defence highlighted the gap between the two teams. “We need to go back to the drawing board,” admitted China’s coach. “Japan were the better team in every aspect.”
Future implications
Japan’s next match is an away game against Bahrain on Tuesday, who recently secured a 1-0 victory over Australia. A win in Bahrain would further solidify Japan’s position in Group C and bring them closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals. The team’s current form and confidence suggest they are well on their way to achieving this goal.
