Wataru Endo backs Japan to win 2026 World Cup after historic qualification

Wataru Endo believes Japan can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming the first team to qualify for the tournament.

The Liverpool midfielder urged fans to embrace the ambitious target following Japan’s 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday, which secured their spot in next year’s competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The four-time Asian champions have never progressed beyond the last 16 at a World Cup, but Endo, speaking on the pitch after the match, encouraged supporters to believe in the team’s potential to lift the trophy next summer.

“I thought it was good for them to hear me say it,” said the midfielder.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is an important point so I wanted to share our target with the fans, not just the players.”

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored second-half goals as Japan secured their sixth win in seven matches in the third round of Asian qualifiers, with one draw.

Japan’s 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday secured their spot in next year’s competition

The victory confirmed Japan’s place in their eighth consecutive World Cup. Captain Wataru Endo acknowledged the achievement, stating that fans now view qualification as “a matter of course.”

“If they think we’re going to qualify then we just have to meet those expectations,” he added.

“Our goal isn’t just to qualify for the World Cup but to make an impact there, and that’s the next level for Japan.

“I want people to have those expectations of us.”

Japan will host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for another qualifier before concluding their campaign with matches against Australia and Indonesia in June.