The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 12 to July 20, 2026 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Japan is back — the Samurai Blue face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F. Japanese fans can watch on free TV, free streaming, and premium platforms with no gaps in coverage.
This guide tells you exactly where to tune in, what to pay, and when to set your alarm.
Quick Answer
- NHK → switch on your TV or open NHK+ → free, no account needed for broadcast
- ABEMA → download the ABEMA app → free, all 104 matches streamed live
- DAZN Japan → sign up at dazn.com → paid, from around ¥2,300/month
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Japan
Free-to-Air TV
Three terrestrial networks share live coverage of the Samurai Blue’s matches plus the opening match, semifinals, and the World Cup Final: NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV.
NHK, as the national public broadcaster, airs all Japan matches across terrestrial and satellite channels, including BS Premium 4K.
Nippon TV covers a select package of matches, while Fuji TV broadcasts a separate slate including selected knockout-stage games.
Streaming Platforms
ABEMA streams all 104 World Cup 2026 matches free in Japan with no subscription required. It was the breakout hit of 2022 and returns as the go-to digital platform for 2026.
DAZN Japan provides comprehensive premium digital coverage, serving as the primary hub for matches outside the free-to-air schedule. DAZN’s standard monthly plan in Japan costs around ¥2,300/month on an annual contract.
NHK+ lets you stream NHK’s coverage online for free. You need a Japanese postcode to register.
Channel and Platform Overview
| Channel / Platform | Free or Paid | Coverage | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHK (terrestrial + BS4K) | Free | All Japan matches, final, semis | Japanese |
| Fuji TV | Free | Select matches incl. knockouts | Japanese |
| Nippon TV | Free | Select matches | Japanese |
| NHK+ (app/web) | Free | Mirrors NHK broadcast | Japanese |
| ABEMA | Free | All 104 matches | Japanese |
| DAZN Japan | Paid (~¥2,300/mo) | All 104 matches | Japanese |
Kickoff Times in Japan (JST, UTC+9)
Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. The World Cup hosts span three North American time zones, so JST kickoff windows vary by venue.
The tournament opens at 4:00 AM JST on June 12, and the final kicks off at 4:00 AM JST on July 20.
Japan face the Netherlands on June 15 at 5:00 AM JST in Dallas — an early-morning alarm match.
Tunisia follows on June 21 at 1:00 PM JST in Monterrey — the most viewer-friendly slot for Japanese fans.
Japan’s final group game against Sweden is on June 26 at 8:00 AM JST in Dallas — a solid breakfast-time kickoff.
Across the full tournament, most matches land between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM JST. Late US night games tend to fall around 10:00–11:00 AM JST, while early afternoon US slots land around 4:00–5:00 AM JST.
Set alarms the night before for the early ones. Weekend mornings are the easiest windows for catching live football.
How to Watch: Step-by-Step
On TV
- Turn on your TV and select NHK (Channel 1), Fuji TV, or Nippon TV.
- For BS 4K quality, switch to NHK BS Premium 4K on your satellite-enabled set.
- Check the broadcast schedule on each channel’s website before matchday.
- No subscription or registration is required for free-to-air channels.
On Streaming or App
- Go to abema.tv or open the ABEMA app on your device.
- Search “FIFA World Cup 2026” in the sports section.
- Select the live match and press play — no sign-in needed for free content.
- For DAZN, visit dazn.com/ja-JP and create an account.
- Choose a monthly or annual plan and enter your payment details.
- Find the World Cup section and select your match.
On Mobile
- Download the ABEMA app from the App Store or Google Play for free live streaming.
- Download the NHK+ app and register with a Japanese postcode to stream NHK coverage.
- Download the DAZN app and log in to your existing subscription.
- Enable notifications inside the app so you get kick-off reminders.
Free Watching Options
Japan has excellent free coverage in 2026. You have two confirmed routes.
ABEMA streams every single match — all 104 — completely free. Following their massive success at the 2022 World Cup, ABEMA returns as the primary free digital home for fans watching on mobile.
NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV provide free terrestrial broadcasts for all Japan games plus the final and semifinals. Coverage of other group stage and knockout matches is split between the three channels — check each channel’s schedule closer to matchday for the full fixture breakdown.
NHK+ mirrors the NHK broadcast for free online, but requires a Japanese address to register.
Supported Devices in Japan
ABEMA
- iPhone and Android smartphones
- iPad and Android tablets
- Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Sony)
- Chromecast and Fire TV Stick
- Web browser (abema.tv)
DAZN Japan
- iPhone and Android smartphones
- Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Panasonic)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV
- PlayStation and Xbox consoles
- Web browser (dazn.com)
NHK+
- iPhone and Android smartphones
- Web browser
- Select smart TVs
NHK terrestrial and Fuji TV / Nippon TV
- Any television with an antenna connection
- NHK BS4K requires a compatible 4K satellite set
FAQs
Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 free to watch in Japan?
Yes. ABEMA streams all 104 matches free with no subscription, and NHK broadcasts all Japan games on free-to-air television. Fuji TV and Nippon TV add further free coverage of selected matches.
Which channel shows Japan’s matches live?
NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV share live terrestrial coverage of all Japan group stage matches. ABEMA also streams every Japan game free online. DAZN carries the full tournament for subscribers.
What time do World Cup matches kick off in Japan?
Most matches kick off between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM JST. Japan’s own games fall at 5:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 8:00 AM JST across their three group stage fixtures — a manageable schedule overall.
Does DAZN stream all 104 World Cup matches in Japan?
DAZN holds comprehensive digital rights and streams all 104 matches live for subscribers in Japan. A standard plan costs around ¥2,300 per month on an annual contract. Verify the latest pricing at dazn.com before signing up.
Can I watch the World Cup Final live for free in Japan?
Yes. The World Cup Final is included in the free-to-air package shared by NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV. ABEMA also streams it free. The final kicks off at 4:00 AM JST on July 20, 2026.
