2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Japan Standard Time (JST)

Since that first whistle back in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has grown into the most-watched sporting event on the planet. Played every four years, it’s delivered moments that stick with you — individual brilliance, collective triumphs, heartbreak, joy. Generations shaped by what happens on this stage.

The 2026 edition opens a fresh chapter. Not just because it’s bigger, but because its expanded format brings more nations into the spotlight, giving more teams a real shot at football’s ultimate prize.

Category	Details
Host Nations	USA, Canada, Mexico
Tournament Dates	June 11 – July 19, 2026
Total Teams	48
Total Matches	104
Time Zone Used on This Page	Japan Standard Time (UTC +9)
Final Venue	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings in a new competition format, expanding the field to 48 participating teams for the very first time. More nations involved, more stories unfolding — and yes, that includes Japan.

• The 48 teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams each.
• Every side plays three group-stage matches. No shortcuts.
• The top two teams from every group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, move on to the Round of 32.
• From there, it’s all or nothing, following a single-elimination knockout format.

With the Round of 32 now in play, teams must survive five knockout matches to lift the trophy. For Japan, that opens the door to a deeper run — a chance to finally push past old barriers and write a new chapter.

Japan made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1998 and haven’t missed a tournament since. Organized. Technical. Relentless. Over the years, Japan have earned their place as one of Asia’s most consistent and competitive football nations.

Their strongest World Cup runs came in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022, each ending in the Round of 16. And who could forget 2022? Taking down both Germany and Spain in the group stage — proper statement wins.

Looking ahead to 2026, the target is clear. Go beyond the Round of 16. Break new ground. History’s there to be made.

For Japanese fans, the table below lists all matches featuring Japan, with kick-off times shown in JST. The complete match schedule is also available on this page in the section below:

Japan open their campaign against the Netherlands on June 15, 2026, at 5:00 AM JST in Dallas. Next up is Tunisia on June 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM JST in Monterrey, before wrapping up the group stage on June 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM JST back in Dallas.

For fans watching from Japan, most matches will land in those late-night or early morning hours. The tournament gets underway with Mexico taking on South Africa on June 12, 2026, kicking off at 4:00 AM JST inside the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The grand finale arrives on July 20, 2026, with kick-off at 4:00 AM JST at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. Set the alarm. Worth it.

Below is the complete schedule of all 104 matches, with kick-off times shown in Japan Standard Time (JST):

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will stretch across three North American countries and 16 host cities, making it the most geographically expansive tournament the competition has ever seen.

• FIFA+ (official streaming platform)
• DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV

Q1. What time will Japan’s matches be played in Japan Standard Time (JST)?
With the tournament hosted in North America, most matches are expected to kick off during late-night or early-morning hours in Japan. The schedule above lists the exact kick-off time for every match.

Q2. How many times has Japan qualified for the FIFA World Cup?
Japan has qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998. The 2026 tournament will be their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, underlining just how consistent they’ve been.

Q3. What is Japan’s best performance at the FIFA World Cup?
Japan’s best runs have ended in the Round of 16, achieved four times — in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022. The aim in 2026 is to finally push past that mark.

Q4. Has Japan ever reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup?
As of now, Japan have not reached the quarter-finals. The closest calls came in 2002, 2010, and 2018, when progress slipped away by the narrowest of margins.

Q5. Where can fans in Japan watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup live?
Matches will be available via DAZN, NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, OTT streaming platforms, and FIFA+, FIFA’s official streaming service.

Q6. How many matches will Japan play in the group stage?
Japan will play three matches in the group stage, facing three different opponents. The top two teams, along with selected third-placed sides, advance to the knockouts.

Q7. Will Japan’s group-stage match timings change?
Match dates and kick-off times are confirmed by FIFA after the official draw. While major changes are unlikely, minor adjustments can happen for broadcast or logistical reasons. Any updates will be reflected here as soon as they’re announced.