Written by TC Team
It’s finally here. The hotly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is happening from June to July.
If you are wandering the streets trying to figure out where to catch a game, look no further.
Note: The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup extends from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Due to the time difference, the final match takes place starting at 4 a.m. Japan Standard Time (JST) on July 20.
Sports bars and pubs
Your local sports bar may be playing the games, but note that fiddly compliance rules and regulations prevent them from being open about it in the media. We suggest simply dropping by the spot you are hoping to watch at, and seeing what information they have up in the window.
In particular, Hobgoblin, which has locations in Shibuya and Roppongi, have confirmed that they’ll be showing live screenings and rebroadcasts of all games.
Live screenings have an entry fee of ¥3,000, which includes two drink tickets. Rebroadcasts of late-night and early-morning games will air the day after each match and are free to watch. No reservations are required, but seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If you want more of an izakaya vibe, Kiten in Koenji will be screening the games, including the final. They’re charging ¥2,000 cover charge for Japan matches and ¥1,600 for other matches. Reservations are required via their website for all games, see the schedule here.
- Three Monkeys, which has locations in Shinjuku and Ueno, among other neighborhoods, will be screening select matches. See the schedule here.
- Sports Bar Fiori will be screening matches on June 15 (Japan vs. The Netherlands), June 21 (Japan vs. Tunisia), June 26 (Japan vs. Sweden), and the final on July 20 (Spain vs. Argentina). Tickets range in price from ¥3,500, to ¥5,000 for the final. See the schedule and purchase tickets here.
Karaoke
Karaoke Manekineko will be hosting live screenings of the following FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at participating locations across Japan:
- Sun., July 12, 6 a.m. — Norway vs. England
- Wed., July 15, 4 a.m. — Semifinal
- Thu., July 16, 4 a.m. — Semifinal
- Sun., July 19, 6 a.m. — Third-place playoff
- Mon., July 20, 4 a.m. — Final match featuring Spain vs. Argentina
Online and on TV
DAZN will be streaming all the games for free, including the final (no sign-up required). So, you could always just stay home.
If you have cable or access to Japanese terrestrial TV, you can watch select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on NHK, Nippon TV, and Fuji Television.
Confirmed group-stage broadcasts on Fuji Television include:
- France vs. Senegal (June 17, broadcast from 3:00 a.m., kick-off 4:00 a.m.)
- Portugal vs. DR Congo (June 18, 1:00 a.m./2:00 a.m.)
- Scotland vs. Morocco (June 20, 6:00 a.m./7:00 a.m.)
- Panama vs. Croatia (June 24, 7:20 a.m./8:00 a.m.)
Fuji TV will also air five knockout-stage matches live, including potential matches featuring Japan’s national team, nicknamed the “Samurai Blue”, if they advance from Group F.
Meetup.com
Join local football lovers on Meetup.com and drop into a watch party.
Some key matches to check out
Dates listed in Japan local time:
- June 15: Netherlands vs. Japan
- June 20: U.S. vs. Australia
- June 21: Tunisia vs. Japan
- June 26: Sweden vs. Japan
- July 20: World Cup Final featuring Spain vs. Argentina
