Watch guide / Japan

Watch the 2026 World Cup in Japan.

By Mikey · Updated 28 May 2026 · 4 min read

Quick answer: NHK broadcasts 33 matches free terrestrial; Nippon TV (15) and Fuji TV (10) also provide free-to-air coverage. All matches available in 4K on NHK BS Premium 4K. Open NHK Plus, sign up free, watch. No paid subscription required.

The full broadcaster picture in Japan

Japan has a unique split: NHK has 33 matches free, with NTV and Fuji TV adding 25 more free between them. That covers a huge slice of the tournament without paying. NHK’s 4K coverage is a nice bonus.

On TV

NHK broadcasts 33 matches free terrestrial; Nippon TV (15) and Fuji TV (10) also provide free-to-air coverage. All matches available in 4K on NHK BS Premium 4K.

Streaming

NHK Plus (free with signup).

Watch on NHK Plus

Free with a quick signup. Opens in a new tab.

Watch free →

Want a different language or commentary?

Japan’s free option is solid, but you can still try a different feed for variety. Connect to the UK on a VPN for BBC iPlayer’s English-language coverage (full 104 matches), or Brazil for CazéTV’s on-YouTube Brazilian-Portuguese coverage. Both are free at source.

Travelling outside Japan during the tournament? Your NHK Plus stream is geo-locked. A VPN connects you back to Japan so it works as if you never left.

My pick: NordVPN

Servers in 100+ countries (UK, Brazil, Australia and more), fast enough for live HD, 30-day money-back guarantee. Full VPN guide →

Get NordVPN →

Tournament dates to remember

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs 11 June to 19 July, 2026 across the USA, Canada and Mexico. 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities.

Opening match: Mexico, Estadio Azteca, 11 June
Group stage: 11 to 27 June
Round of 32 (new for 2026): 28 June to 3 July
Round of 16: 4 to 7 July
Quarter-finals: 9 to 11 July
Semi-finals: 14 to 15 July
Final: 19 July, MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Most matches air in Japanese morning hours.

FAQ for Japan viewers

Is NHK Plus actually free?

Yes. NHK Plus carries the World Cup free with no payment required, just a free account in most cases.

Can I watch every single match?

Partially. Some matches are free, others are on paid services. For the full 104 a VPN to the UK or Brazil unlocks everything free.

Is it legal to use a VPN here?

VPNs are legal in nearly every country in the world. A small number restrict them (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, UAE in some contexts). Check your local rules. Using a VPN to access a free home broadcast while travelling is the standard expat and traveller use case.

What if my country’s broadcaster changes mid-tournament?

Email mgmikeymg@gmail.com if you spot a broadcaster update. The site gets corrected the same day.