Wataru Endo helped Japan clinch the second round of World Cup qualifiers with six victories from six, while Takumi Minamino scored in a 5-0 victory over Syria.

Japan has had an excellent start to its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, finishing the second round on Tuesday with a perfect record.

After defeating Myanmar (twice 5-0), Syria (5-0), and North Korea (1-0 and 3-0 after forfeit), they hosted Syria in Hiroshima, hoping to make it six wins from six.

They achieved just that, with a resounding victory over an admittedly weak side that saw Liverpool midfielder Endo start as captain and play 62 minutes.

Japan led 3-0 at the half-hour mark thanks to goals from Ayase Ueda, Ritsu Doan, and an own goal by Thaer Krouma, with Endo breaking up play and pressing his side ahead.

Yuki Soma scored a penalty after the break to make it 4-0, and former Liverpool attacker Minamino sealed the victory.

Japan finished the second round of Asia’s World Cup qualification bracket at the top of Group B with 18 points, nine points ahead of second-placed North Korea.

They will now be assigned to one of three groups, with 10 additional qualifiers to play before the top two from each group advance to the tournament proper.

Their second-round finish means they have qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup, which, assuming Endo remains at the club, will knock him out of play for Liverpool midway through the 2026/27 season.

Endo, who was an unused substitute against Myanmar, earned his 62nd appearance for Japan and 15th as captain.

He will now have a postseason vacation before rejoining his Liverpool teammates for the first day of preseason. 

 Arne Slot’s first squad at the AXA Training Centre is scheduled to include Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Stefan Bajcetic, and Fabio Carvalho.