Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka helped Japan book their place at the 2026 World Cup, after playing 45 minutes of their 2-0 win over Bahrain in Saitama on Thursday.

The Samurai Blue's overcame a tough qualifying group that included Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain and China, winning six and drawing one to become the first nation to secure their spot at next year's World Cup in North America.

Japan's road to the World Cup started last March, when Tanaka scored the only goal in their 1-0 win against North Korea, with the midfielder starring in a further five games as the national side progressed through both the second and third rounds.

Qualifying with three games still to play, Japan will next face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning in Saitama, hoping to retain their unbeaten run.