Kuala lumpur: The national regu squad comfortably collected three points in their opening Group A match of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup after thrashing Japan 2-0 at Stadium Titiwangsa here tonight. Malaysia, fielding Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Mohamad Azlan Alias, and Farhan Adam, had little trouble brushing aside Japan in the first set with a convincing 15-4 win. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia introduced Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam and Muhamad Noraizat Mohd Nordin in the second set. Initially, they led 10-8 before Japan fought back to take a 12-10 advantage. Both teams then traded points before Malaysia eventually secured victory with a 15-13 scoreline. The win also moved the national squad a step closer to the quarter-finals, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage of the prestigious tournament. The national squad is scheduled to face Singapore in their second Group A match on Monday, while Japan will take on Singapore tomorrow in the same group. Meanwhile, M alaysia head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun admitted the national side was weak in attack during the second set, making it difficult for Malaysia to seal the match earlier. He remarked on the need for improvement in attacking suitability and defense. In today's Group B action, Thailand defeated Iran 2-0, while South Korea overcame Brunei 2-0 in Group B.