SAITAMA, Japan -- Given Japan have booked their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it may seem like there is little for them to play in the their final three games in the third round of Asian qualifiers -- starting with Tuesday's meeting with Saudi Arabia.

Japan is coming to North America, and maybe Houston. The Blue Samari defeated Bahrain at Saitama Stadium in Saitama, Japan, on Thursday to book the team's spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is the first country outside of the three host nations — the U.

FIFA World Cup is on the horizon with next summer’s showpiece set to be an incredible spectacle.For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams in an expanded format. There are