When is Japan's next FIFA World Cup 2026 game?
How do I use a VPN to watch FIFA World Cup 2026?
GeminiWho is showing FIFA World Cup 2026 in Japan?
In Japan, the primary broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is DAZN Japan. DAZN secured rights to stream all 104 matches of the tournament in Japan, including every match involving the Japanese national team.
However, not all coverage is behind a DAZN subscription. Japan's domestic rights were acquired by Dentsu Group, which then sublicensed matches to other broadcasters.
Selected matches, including Japan national team games, are also being shown on free-to-air television through broadcasters such as NHK and commercial networks including Nippon TV.
Reports indicate that Nippon TV is scheduled to broadcast a package of matches, including at least one Japan group-stage match.
Japan’s Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Japan’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was defined by control, consistency, and the continued evolution of one of Asia’s most technically refined national teams. Under manager Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in AFC qualification, securing automatic qualification by topping their final-round group with authority.
Japan entered the decisive third round of AFC qualifying in Group B alongside Australia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, and China. From the outset, Moriyasu’s side established themselves as the dominant force, combining their trademark possession-based football with increased physical resilience and tactical maturity. Early victories over China and Indonesia set the tone, while a crucial away win against Saudi Arabia gave them a clear advantage in the group.
One of the defining features of Japan’s campaign was their defensive strength. The Samurai Blue conceded very few goals throughout the group stage, anchored by a disciplined back line and the leadership of experienced players such as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Maya Yoshida (in squad leadership roles during the cycle), supported by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who emerged as a key figure in goal. At the same time, Japan’s attacking fluidity remained a constant threat, with Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Daichi Kamada driving creativity in the final third.
Getty ImagesThe decisive moment came in March 2025, when Japan secured qualification with matches to spare after a commanding run of results in the final round. A standout performance against Australia, combined with consistent wins over lower-ranked opposition, ensured they finished top of Group B comfortably, ahead of both Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Statistically, Japan’s campaign reflected their dominance: they finished as one of the highest-scoring teams in AFC qualifying while also recording one of the best defensive records. Their ability to control matches through possession, pressing, and structured build-up play once again highlighted the long-term success of Japan’s development model.
Beyond results, the campaign also signalled the maturity of a generation expected to peak at the 2026 World Cup. Players such as Kubo, Mitoma, and Wataru Endo have become central figures, blending European club experience with international consistency. This balance of technical skill and tactical discipline has made Japan one of Asia’s most complete sides heading into the tournament.
Now preparing for Group E against Argentina, Türkiye, and Ecuador, Japan arrive in North America not as outsiders, but as a team capable of challenging deep into the knockout stages. Their road to qualification suggests a side comfortable under pressure, tactically adaptable, and increasingly confident against elite global opposition.