How to Watch Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Schedule, Channels, and Streams

When Is Japan’s Next Match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Japan is set to compete in Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their opening game takes place on June 14th against the Netherlands. The matches will be held at Monterrey Stadium, and fans can watch securely from various streaming platforms.

Broadcasting Rights for Japan's Matches

DAZN Japan holds the primary rights to stream all 104 games of the tournament within Japan, including every match featuring the Japanese national team. Yet, not all coverage requires a subscription. The domestic rights were acquired by the Dentsu Group, which sublicensed some matches to other broadcasters.

Free-to-air channels such as NHK and commercial networks like Nippon TV will air selected games, including at least one group-stage match involving Japan. For those outside Japan, using a VPN can help access these streams safely.

Japan’s Journey to Qualification

The road to the World Cup showcased Japan’s blend of control and technical skill under manager Hajime Moriyasu. They topped Group B in the AFC qualifying third round, facing teams like Australia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, and China.

Early wins against China and Indonesia set the pace. A key victory away to Saudi Arabia gave Japan a strong hold on the group. Their defense stood out throughout the qualifiers, with leaders like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Maya Yoshida providing stability, while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki emerged as a crucial presence.

Attacking threats came from Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Daichi Kamada, who consistently created chances in the final third. By March 2025, Japan had secured qualification with matches to spare, finishing comfortably ahead of Australia and Saudi Arabia.

The team’s stats reflected dominance both offensively and defensively. Their possession-based style combined with pressing and structured build-up showed the effectiveness of their long-term development.

This cycle also highlighted the maturity of a generation expected to peak at the tournament. Players like Kubo, Mitoma, and Wataru Endo bring a mix of European club experience and international reliability, making Japan a competitive side heading into the World Cup.

Japan’s Group and Base Camp

Japan will face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F. The team has chosen Nashville, Tennessee as their base camp during the tournament, preparing for matches in North America.

Key Players to Watch

• Kaoru Mitoma – A winger known for his tricky runs and pace, always challenging opposing full-backs.
• Takefusa Kubo – Former Real Madrid talent now playing for Sociedad, Kubo is a creative force in attack.
• Daichi Kamada – Operating in midfield, Kamada helps control the flow of the game with his vision and passing.

Where to Watch in Japan

NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV will broadcast Samurai Blue matches live on terrestrial TV, including the opening game, semifinals, and final. After their success in 2022, Abema will offer free streaming for the 2026 event, catering especially to mobile viewers.

DAZN remains a key digital platform, streaming matches live and offering extensive on-demand content like Atsuto Uchida’s “World Cup Time” and tactical analysis.

Japan’s World Cup History

Japan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup eight times, including 2026. Since their debut in the late 1990s, they have never missed the tournament. Their best achievement so far is reaching the Round of 16.