Japan becomes the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after host nations

Category: Sports

Listening

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. secure / sɪˈkyʊər / (v.) – to succeed in getting something important, often after a lot of effort
    Example:

    The company secured a big order with an international client.


  2. persevere / ˌpɜr səˈvɪər / (v.) – to continue doing something even though it is difficult
    Example:

    The runner persevered through the injury to finish the race.


  3. convert / kənˈvɜrt / (v.) – (in sports) to successfully get extra points during an attempt to score, such as a free throw or penalty shot
    Example:

    The player converted all three of his penalty kicks into goals, leading his team to win the game.


  4. advance / ædˈvæns / (v.) – to move forward
    Example:

    The team will only advance to the finals if they win their next two games.


  5. on course / ɒn kɔrs / (idiom) – likely to occur or happen following the plan or the direction set
    Example:

    The company is on course to meet its financial goals because of the new projects.


Article

Read the text below.

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Bahrain 2-0 at Saitama Stadium on March 20. Second-half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured the Samurai Blue secured a spot in Asia Group C’s top two automatic qualification places.


At its eighth straight World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.


“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team.”


Earlier, second-place Australia took a big step toward a seventh appearance by defeating Indonesia 5-1 in Sydney in the visitors’ first game under new coach Patrick Kluivert. Indonesia’s Kevin Diks missed a penalty in the eighth minute, and 10 minutes later, Martin Boyle converted his spot kick to put the Socceroos ahead.


Nishan Velupillay and Jackson Irvine scored before the break and Lewis Miller made it 4-0 on the hour. Ole Romeny scored for Indonesia before Irvine grabbed his second and the hosts’ fifth.


The top two from each of the three six-team groups in the third round of Asian qualifying advance to the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-place teams advance to another stage to compete for two more places.


South Korea stayed on top of Group B and on course for an 11th straight World Cup appearance despite drawing with Oman 1-1 in Goyang, just north of Seoul.


“People may think this qualification round is easy, but we have to work so hard for every match,” South Korea captain Son Heung-min said. “A match like this can teach us a lesson. We have to take whatever positive we can from this.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Do you think it is important to be the first team to qualify for something, especially in sports? Why or why not? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of qualifying early for a big competition? Discuss.
  • How do you think qualifying first affects a team and their fans? Does it bring more excitement and confidence, or does it create pressure to perform well later? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Son Heung-min said that even tough matches can teach a lesson. Do you agree that difficult experiences can be positive? Why or why not? Can you share a time when something difficult turned out to be helpful? Discuss.
  • Son Heung-min emphasized finding positives in challenges. Do you think people should always look for the positive side of a bad situation, or is it okay to just feel disappointed sometimes? Why? Discuss.