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In Japan, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available on NHK, Fuji TV / TBS / TV Asahi and DAZN Japan. NHK and Fuji TV / TBS / TV Asahi stream matches at no cost, though they are geo-restricted and require a VPN outside Japan.
Watch all 104 matches free
No confirmed free broadcaster in Japan. SBS On Demand (Australia) streams every match free, and a VPN unlocks it in minutes.
Japan's Blue Samurai have become Asia's most consistent World Cup performers, qualifying for every tournament since 1998 and producing arguably the greatest upset of the 2022 tournament by defeating both Germany and Spain in the same group stage. NHK and major commercial broadcasters share rights, with selected matches broadcast free over-the-air.
Japanese public broadcaster. Selected matches broadcast free on NHK BS and NHK General. Available via NHK+ streaming (requires Japan registration). Geo-restricted outside Japan.
Subscription from 3,000 yen/month (Standard monthly plan). All 104 matches available live and on demand. Available on web, iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
Did You Know?
Japan's 2022 comeback victory over Germany, achieved while Germany had roughly 75 percent possession and 24 shots, is considered one of the biggest World Cup shocks since the tournament expanded to 32 teams. They then repeated the feat against Spain four days later.
Yes. NHK and Fuji TV / TBS / TV Asahi stream matches free in Japan, though a VPN is needed to access them from outside the country.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is available in Japan on NHK, Fuji TV / TBS / TV Asahi, DAZN Japan.
A VPN can unlock free streams from Australia (SBS On Demand), which carries all 104 matches free, and the UK (BBC iPlayer plus ITVX). These services are geo-restricted, so a VPN is needed to access them from outside those countries. Get NordVPN - 74% Off
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026 and runs through to the final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
The 2026 World Cup opening match kicks off on June 11, 2026 at 20:00 CDT (01:00 UTC on June 12). In Japan the opening match starts at June 12 at 10:00 JST. Subsequent matches run daily until the final on July 19, 2026, with kick-off times of 15:00, 18:00, and 21:00 CDT on most matchdays.
Yes. DAZN Japan broadcasts all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Japan with a subscription. SBS On Demand (Australia) also streams all 104 matches free, with BBC iPlayer plus ITVX covering the UK, accessible from Japan with a VPN.