Wataru Endo became the first international captain to guide his side to the 2026 World Cup as Japan overcame Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday.
The Japanese knew a win would secure passage to the tournament which is to be held in North America next summer and, after a frustrating first half, goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo after the break secured a 2-0 victory at the Saitama Stadium, one of the host venues for the 2002 edition of the tournament.
It leaves Japan on 19 points after seven games in Group 3 of the third-round Asia qualifiers, ensuring a top-two finish and automatic passage to the expanded 48-team tournament next summer is guaranteed. They join hosts USA, Canada and Mexico as the only sides definitely set to participate next year.
Australia is likely to finish second in a group that contains Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain and China. Japan plays Saudi Arabia next Tuesday in its second match of the international break, before Endo and his team-mates return to their club sides.
The 2-0 win means the Samurai Blue will play in their eighth consecutive World Cup, with Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Iraq on course to join Japan via the group stage.
As for Endo, he played the full 90 minutes against Bahrain, captaining Japan and earning a 67th international cap. The 32-year-old has started as many games for his national side as he has for Liverpool this season, with all six at club level coming in the cup competitions.
But Endo has become a more regular sight off the bench in recent weeks and has played in four of the last five Premier League matches, while he also made cameo appearances in both legs of the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
He also made impressive contributions in recent wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City and Newcastle United, with his introduction from the bench helping to stymie opposition attacks.
“It has been a little tough for me because I have not played as much but all I can do is help the team,” the former Stuttgart players said two weeks ago. “I always try to help the team and if I have a chance to play, I go all in.
“I usually come on for the last 15-20 minutes when we are winning. It is very difficult to do but I always want to help my teammates. I have been playing well so far and have helped the team. I want to keep doing well when I get the chance.
“I have had a few conversations with the manager this season. He always told me that my attitude and example to the team is unbelievable. I feel that he trusts me a lot at the moment. I will keep working hard in training and on the pitch.”
