Japan

Service	Type	Cost	Details
NHK	Free	¥0 (NHK licence fee applies)	Japan's national public broadcaster airs key World Cup matches free-to-air including all Samurai Blue national team fixtures. Group F games include Japan vs Netherlands (June 14, Dallas), vs Tunisia (June 20, Monterrey) and vs Sweden (June 25). Available on NHK General and NHK BS4K. NHK Plus provides free live streaming for licence-fee payers.
Nippon TV / Fuji TV	Free	¥0	Japan's major commercial broadcasters share free-to-air World Cup rights alongside NHK. Nippon TV and Fuji TV broadcast selected matches including Japan national team games with popular commentary teams, celebrity pundits and primetime programming. Available via standard TV reception across Japan.
DAZN Japan	Paid	From ¥3,200/month	DAZN Japan holds streaming rights for the full World Cup tournament. All 104 matches live and on-demand in HD with Japanese commentary. Japan is one of the most broadcast-rich markets globally — DAZN supplements free-to-air coverage with every match available on-demand. Compatible with iOS, Android, Smart TVs and web browsers.

FIFA Ranking

#18[1]

World Cup Appearances

8[2]

Consecutive since 1998

Best Result

Round of 16

2002 · 2010 · 2018 · 2022

Country

CapitalTokyo
Population~125 million
ContinentAsia
ConfederationAFC
National associationJFA – Japan Football Association

World Cup history

–
Titles: 0
Japan has never won the FIFA World Cup
–
Total appearances: 8[2]
Consecutive qualification since 1998 — one of Asia's most consistent nations, with a squad increasingly drawn from Europe's top leagues
2002
Round of 16 (co-host)
Historic home tournament — Japan reached the knockout rounds for the first time as co-hosts alongside South Korea
2022
Round of 16 — giant killers
Beat Germany and Spain in the group stage in one of the tournament's most stunning storylines — narrow round-of-16 defeat to Croatia on penalties
2026
Group F — Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia[3]
Japan arrive with genuine belief after 2022 — the Samurai Blue are no longer underdogs

Head coach

Hajime Moriyasu

Since 2018[4]

The architect of Japan's historic 2022 run when they famously beat Germany and Spain in the group stage. Tactical, pragmatic and meticulous — Moriyasu has built a disciplined, hard-working team capable of beating anyone on their day. His use of squad rotation and tactical flexibility has redefined Japanese international football.[5]

Key players

Forward

Takumi Minamino ↗

Energetic, versatile forward with Premier League and Champions League experience. Brings tireless pressing, intelligent movement and goals from wide or central positions — a vital component of Japan's attack.

Defender

Takehiro Tomiyasu ↗

Versatile and intelligent defensive player with Arsenal experience. Can operate at right-back or in a back three — brings Premier League quality and the adaptability Moriyasu's system demands.

Attacking Midfielder

Daichi Kamada ↗

Technically gifted attacking midfielder performing at the top of European football. Brings creativity, composure and the ability to play between the lines — a key creative outlet for the Samurai Blue.

Centre-back

Ko Itakura ↗

Composed and commanding defender who has become a key figure in the Japanese backline. Brings physical authority, aerial quality and the calm under pressure that defines the best European defenders.

Where to Watch – Streaming Options