World Cup 2026 TV Schedule — Japan
NHK shows Japan matches free. DAZN Japan has all 104 games. Check JST kickoff times.
Time Zone
UTC+9 (JST)
Channels
4
Good Slots
2 / 4
Best Free
NHK (総合/BS)
Japan has one of Asia's most dedicated football fan bases, with the Blue Samurai (Samurai Blue) consistently reaching the knockout stages at recent World Cups. NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, carries all Japan national team matches free on terrestrial TV. DAZN Japan holds comprehensive streaming rights for all 104 matches. Fuji TV may broadcast selected matches on free-to-air television. Japan's time zone (JST, UTC+9) means most group stage matches kick off between 01:00 and 10:00 — a late-night to early morning schedule that Japanese fans are accustomed to from years of Champions League viewing. The 10:00 JST slot (01:00 UTC) is the most convenient for Japanese viewers.
World Cup 2026 TV Channels in Japan
✓ Free Options
| Channel | Coverage |
|---|---|
| NHK (総合/BS) | Japan matches + selected key games |
| Fuji TV / TBS | Selected matches (TBC) |
| NHK+ | NHK broadcast matches |
Paid / Subscription Options
| Channel | Coverage |
|---|---|
| DAZN Japan | All 104 matches |
📺 Best option in Japan
Best Free
NHK — Japan matches free on terrestrial and NHK+
Best Paid / Full Coverage
DAZN Japan — all 104 matches streamed live
Match Times in Japan (UTC+9 (JST))
Group stage matches have four daily kick-off slots.✓ Good = comfortable viewing time.
| UTC | Local Time | Viewing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:00 UTC | 01:00 JST (翌日) | 深夜 | Late |
| 19:00 UTC | 04:00 JST (翌日) | 早朝 | Late |
| 22:00 UTC | 07:00 JST | 朝 (Morning) | ✓ Good |
| 01:00 UTC | 10:00 JST | 午前 (Best slot) | ✓ Good |
Frequently Asked Questions — Japan
ワールドカップ2026はどこで見れる？/ Where to watch World Cup 2026 in Japan?▾
日本でワールドカップ2026の試合は何時に始まる？▾
DAZNでワールドカップ2026は見れる？▾
NHKはワールドカップ2026を放送する？▾
ワールドカップ2026の決勝は日本時間で何時？▾
ワールドカップを深夜に見る方法は？▾
🌍 Watching Abroad?
Access Japan coverage from anywhere
A VPN lets you watch your home broadcaster while travelling outside Japan. Also useful for expats who want Japan commentary and analysis.
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