First non-host nation seals place at 2026 World Cup before most have even kicked a ball in qualifying

The first non-host nation has qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada – even though most countries haven't even started their qualifying campaigns yet.

The biggest tournament in world football is set to get underway on June 11 next year and will involve 48 nations from six confederations.

While the European World Cup qualifiers start this weekend, the Asian cohort of teams are well into their campaigns with some having already played seven group matches.

Due to being host nations, the US, Mexico, and Canada do not need to qualify and have already booked their place at the tournament.

And now the first non-host nation has secured their place at the next World Cup.

Japan have sealed a spot at the 2026 tournament after beating Bahrain 2-0 in an AFC qualifier on Thursday morning.

Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada and Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo scored the goals to seal victory for Hajime Moriyasu's side.

They remain undefeated in qualifying, and have now won seven games while drawing two others - securing a place at the World Cup with a game to spare after topping Group C.

Japan are seen by some as potential 'dark horses' for the tournament given their impressive performance in qualifying.

Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday (Image: Getty)

In addition to the likes of Kamada and Kubo, Japan boast Liverpool's Wataru Endo, Monaco star Takumi Minamino and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma in their ranks.

Japan have appeared at the World Cup on seven occasions and were joint hosts of the 2002 tournament with neighbours South Korea.

They have reached the round of 16 on four occasions, never making it through to the last eight.

Japan beat both Spain and Germany in the group stage of the last World Cup in Qatar to make it through to the last 16, where they were beaten on penalties by Croatia after a 1-1 draw.