Tanaka's Japan first team to qualify for World Cup

Leeds United's Ao Tanaka has helped Japan become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

The midfielder appeared as a half-time substitute as Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama to guarantee a top-two finish in their Asian qualifying group.

Tanaka won his 30th cap as the Samurai Blue made it to their eighth consecutive World Cup with three qualifiers still to play.

The 26-year-old has scored four goals for Leeds in 35 Championship appearances this season since joining from Fortuna Dusseldorf at the end of August.

Japan join co-hosts the USA, Canada and Mexico as confirmed qualifiers for the tournament which has been expanded to 48 teams.