Dhaka, March 20 -- Liverpool's Wataru Endo said Japan's sights are set higher than just qualifying for next year's World Cup as they look to become the first team to clinch their place today.

The runaway Asian Group-C leaders have been dominant in qualifying and can book their spot at the 2026 finals if they beat Bahrain in Saitama.

A draw could also be enough if other results in the group go their way. Captain Endo said qualification is just the start for a team that hope to make a splash at next summer's competition in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"Everyone understands that the third round of Asian qualifiers is not easy but we are aiming higher and not one of us is satisfied at this point," the midfielder told reporters on ...