Kaoru Mitoma is on course for a second World Cup.

The Albion winger helped Japan win 4-0 away to Indonesia in the Asian qualifying programme.

They reach the halfway stage of the ten-game qualifying programme with 13 points from a possible 15.

The top two go through to the 2026 World Cup and Japan have a seven-point lead with five rounds to play.

Mitoma played the first 62 minutes before being taken off as part of a double substitution.

He was involved in the Samurai Blue’s second goal in Jakarta, late in the first half.

A defensive lapse gave him chance to attack down the left.

He squared the ball into the box and Takumi Minamino fired in a good finish at the near post.

Mitoma was booked early in the contest for blocking off an opponent away from the ball and was perhaps fortunate to escape punishment for a shirt-pull later in the half.

Japan now visit China in a game which finishes at 2pm on Tuesday, our time.

Then comes the trip back to England and preparation for the Premier League trip to Bournemouth.

Mitoma ranks second for minutes played in the Prem with the Seagulls this season and played a big part in the comeback to beat Manchester City.

He will be keen to add a second World Cup to his CV having played in Qatar in 2022.