Japan began the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a statement, thumping China, 7-0, to leap to the top of Group C on the first day.

Cerezo Osaka product Takumi Minamino led the way with two goals, while Kawasaki Frontale’s 19-year-old starlet Kota Takai earned his first cap in a terrific night at Saitama Stadium 2002.

Former Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Reds man Wataru Endo wore the armband for the Samurai Blue once again and he was first on the scoresheet when he headed home from a corner kick to begin the rout.

Japan stayed on the front foot and it was the former Gamba Osaka man Ritsu Doan who found himself at the heart of their most dangerous forays forward, so it was only fitting that he created the Samurai Blue’s second goal just before halftime. His cross perfectly found beloved Kawasaki Frontale product Kaoru Mitoma, who nodded the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead at the break.

Minamino took centerstage in the opening moments of the second half. First, he showed off some gorgeous footwork, dancing past a would-be defender before curling one home. He then eluded three defenders before drilling a shot into the bottom corner for his second goal and sent Japan well in front with a 4-0 lead before the hour mark.

Hajime Moriyasu then went to his bench, with Takai coming in for his first senior cap and ably patrolling the center of defense.

Junya Ito, who began his career at Ventforet Kofu and then Kashiwa Reysol, also came off the bench and made an impact when his shot from 18 yards found the back of the net with the help of a deflection to make it 5-0.

Ito then played the role of helper for 2021 J1 Top Scorer at Yokohama F·Marinos Daizen Maeda, who knocked home a brilliant pass to add to the Samurai Blue lead.

Takefusa Kubo put the exclamation point on the dominant Japan win in stoppage time when the FC Tokyo product hit a rocket into the top of the net, completing the 7-0 victory.

The top two teams from Group C in the third round of qualifying will punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Samurai Blue are well on their way with three points and a +7 goal difference after one match.

Next up for Japan is a September 10 trip to Bahrain, who are also on three points after Matchday 1.