Introduction
“Can I even watch my home country’s team from Japan?” That question comes up often. The World Cup comes around every four years, and since you happen to be living in Japan this time, it’s worth setting yourself up to enjoy it fully.
If your home country’s team is in the tournament, you get to follow two teams at once: your own and Japan’s. “Japan plays today, my home country plays Thursday” is a schedule most people back home can’t say. FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 11 (Thursday) across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All 104 matches are available from Japan. This article covers Japan’s Group F schedule and how to pick the right streaming service for your situation.
TL;DR
- Both your home team and Japan’s matches — all 104 games are watchable from Japan
- All three of Japan’s group stage matches air free on NHK and Nippon TV
- DAZN streams all 104 matches live (monthly subscription required; Japanese commentary only)
- ABEMA offers select matches free, no account needed (Japanese commentary only)
- Japan is in Group F: June 15 (Mon) 5:00 AM vs Netherlands, June 21 (Sun) 1:00 PM vs Tunisia, June 26 (Fri) 8:00 AM vs Sweden
Disclaimer: This article is based on announcements from FIFA, DAZN, ABEMA, and official broadcaster sources as of June 12, 2026. Broadcast schedules may change. Always confirm with official sources.
Why the World Cup Hits Different When You’re Living in Japan
You Get to Cheer for Two Teams
Living abroad during a World Cup is a rare situation. If your home country has a team in the tournament, you get to follow two squads at once. When your home country wins, it’s a personal moment. When Japan scores in a tense match, the whole office lights up. You can have both — something most people back home simply don’t get.
It Becomes Part of Daily Life Here
During the World Cup, convenience stores stock Japan national team goods and the tournament comes up in almost every workplace conversation. Knowing roughly who Japan is playing makes you a much easier person to talk to in the break room. The World Cup season is a natural conversation opener with Japanese colleagues and friends.
Early Morning Matches Are More Fun With Company
Public viewing events (large-screen watch parties) are expected across Japan during the tournament. Even for 5:00 AM kickoffs, there are places to gather with others and make some noise. Sports bars and early-opening cafés are worth looking up ahead of time. It’s also a good excuse to get coworkers or friends together for something a little different.
The “Early Morning Problem” You Should Know First
The 2026 World Cup is hosted in the Americas, so prime-time matches in North America fall in the early morning hours in Japan. Japan’s opener on June 15 kicks off at 5:00 AM JST on a Monday.
Whether that feels like an exciting reason to set an early alarm or a reason to use catch-up viewing is up to you. Both DAZN and ABEMA offer replay options for those who’d rather sleep.
(Source: FIFA Official Site)
Japan’s Group Stage Schedule (Japan Standard Time)
Your home country’s matches are worth checking too, but start with Japan’s Group F schedule. All three matches air free on terrestrial TV.
| Match | Date | Kickoff (JST) | Opponent | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | June 15 (Mon) | 05:00 | Netherlands | NHK General |
| Match 2 | June 21 (Sun) | 13:00 | Tunisia | Nippon TV |
| Match 3 | June 26 (Fri) | 08:00 | Sweden | NHK BS |
Times are based on JFA official information as of June 12, 2026. Check the JFA official site for the latest confirmed kickoff times.
Match 2 on Sunday afternoon is the easy one. Match 1 (Monday 5:00 AM) and Match 3 (Friday 8:00 AM) both fall before the workday. Families with school-aged kids may want to adjust sleep schedules the night before or use catch-up viewing after the school run.
DAZN, ABEMA, or NHK — Which One Should You Use?
Terrestrial TV (NHK / Nippon TV): All Japan Matches Free
Each of Japan’s three matches airs on a different channel, so check which one applies before the game.
| Match | Broadcaster | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 vs Netherlands (June 15, 5:00 AM) | NHK General | Terrestrial (no antenna needed) |
| Match 2 vs Tunisia (June 21, 1:00 PM) | Nippon TV | Terrestrial (no antenna needed) |
| Match 3 vs Sweden (June 26, 8:00 AM) | NHK BS | Satellite (BS antenna required) |
NHK BS is a satellite channel, so you’ll need a TV with a connected BS antenna. If you’re renting, check whether your unit receives BS before the match.
To watch on your smartphone, NHK+ (free with registration) and TVer (Nippon TV) both offer live streaming. Match 3 on NHK BS is expected to be available on NHK+ as well.
(Source: JFA Broadcast Info)
For Following Your Home Team Too
DAZN is a sports-only streaming service. Think of it as Netflix, but for sports. It streams all 104 matches live this tournament. If you want to follow your home country’s team alongside Japan’s, DAZN is the most reliable option.
- Monthly fee: Standard Plan ¥4,200/month (tax included) / Football-only “DAZN SOCCER” ¥2,600/month
- World Cup Campaign (until July 20): First 3 months at ¥1,980/month (Standard) or ¥980/month (DAZN SOCCER)
- Devices: Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, PCs, and more
- Commentary: Japanese only
Payment is available via credit card and cashless options including PayPay (see our Japan cashless payment guide).
(Source: DAZN Official Site)
ABEMA: Start with the Free Tier
ABEMA is offering select matches from the 2026 World Cup for free. Whether Japan’s games fall in the free tier varies by match, so check the ABEMA schedule ahead of time.
- Free tier: Select matches (no registration required)
- ABEMA Premium (with ads): ¥680/month
- ABEMA Premium (ad-free): ¥1,180/month
- Catch-up viewing: Available with a Premium subscription
- Commentary: Japanese only
(Source: ABEMA Sports)
For Japan’s matches only, terrestrial TV (NHK / Nippon TV) is the simplest option. No subscription needed. If you don’t have a TV, check NHK+ and TVer. For all 104 matches including your home country’s games, DAZN is the most reliable choice.
FAQ
Do I need to subscribe to both DAZN and ABEMA?
No. If you want to watch all 104 matches live, DAZN alone covers everything. ABEMA is worth checking if you want free access for select games, particularly if Japan’s match falls in the free lineup.
Will any matches be on regular TV?
Yes. Japan’s three group stage matches all air free. Match 1 on NHK General (terrestrial), Match 2 on Nippon TV (terrestrial), and Match 3 on NHK BS (satellite). For matches outside Japan’s schedule, DAZN and ABEMA are the primary options.
Can I watch matches on replay?
Yes. DAZN subscribers can watch replays for a limited window after the live broadcast. ABEMA Premium also offers catch-up viewing.
Can I watch from overseas (e.g., during a home visit)?
DAZN availability varies by region. VPN use is prohibited under DAZN’s terms of service, so check the official site for your specific location.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Check your home country’s match schedule and build your viewing plan alongside Japan’s
- ✅ Japan’s matches air free on NHK and Nippon TV — check NHK+ and TVer if you don’t have a TV
- ✅ For all 104 matches including your home country’s games, sign up for DAZN this week (campaign pricing from ¥1,980/month until July 20)
- ✅ June 21 (Sun) 1:00 PM is the easy match — clear your Sunday afternoon if you want to watch live
- ✅ For the early morning matches (June 15 Mon 5:00 AM, June 26 Fri 8:00 AM), adjust your sleep schedule the night before or use catch-up viewing
The World Cup arrived while you happen to be living in Japan. Follow your home country’s team, watch Japan’s matches with coworkers, and find a place to gather for the 5:00 AM kickoff. Get set up before June 15.
