The FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost here, and if you’re in Tokyo, there are plenty of ways to cheer on the Samurai Blue with other fans and Tokyo public viewings at sports bars.
Because the tournament is being held in North America, some of the matches will be taking place at odd hours in Japan, including late-night and early-morning kickoffs. Luckily, there are still sports bars and special public viewing events around Tokyo where you can watch the Japan national team matches live.
Depending on the venue, you can expect every match to be shown live, or some screened the next day at a more reasonable hour. Always check the latest information directly with each venue, and double check whether you need to pre-purchase tickets or make a reservation (especially for the Japan matches!)
Sports Bars Showing World Cup Matches in Tokyo
HUB British Pub
HUB is one of the most classic choices for watching sports in Tokyo. This British-style pub chain regularly shows football, rugby, baseball, and other major sporting events, and for the FIFA World Cup 2026, HUB’s website shows a full public viewing schedule.
According to the current schedule, HUB will be screening all World Cup matches live, including the late-night and early-morning games (just be sure to double-check with the venue before you go). Japan’s three group stage matches are also included in the schedule.
With locations all over Tokyo, HUB is probably one of the easiest places to find a World Cup screening, especially if you’re looking for a casual pub atmosphere with plenty of other football fans.
Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin is another classic sports bar in Tokyo, with a long-standing location in Roppongi. It’s another British-style pub that screens major football, rugby, and international sporting events.
Their sports and event calendar shows that they are playing select World Cup matches during regular daytime hours, including Japan’s 1 p.m. match against Tunisia (tickets required). For the late-night and early-morning matches, the games will be shown the following day rather than streamed live.
This is a good option if you want a pub-style atmosphere in central Tokyo.
Three Monkeys Cafe
Three Monkeys Cafe is a sports and darts bar with several locations around Tokyo. For the FIFA World Cup 2026, they will be showing the three Japan national team group stage matches live at their Ginza, Ueno, and Shinjuku locations.
This could be a good option if you’re looking for a slightly more entertainment-focused sports bar, with darts, drinks, and large screens. Since only selected locations are showing the Japan matches, make sure you check the details for the exact branch before booking or visiting.
Sports Bar Fiori
Sports Bar Fiori is a local sports bar located in eastern Shinjuku. Based on their screening schedule, they will be showing World Cup matches live, making it one of the stronger options if you want to view live matches.
For the Samurai Blue matches tickets are required, so don’t just show up assuming you can walk in. Check their website in advance and book your spot if you want to watch Japan play with a crowd.
Looking for other things to do in Tokyo?
- Read up on my Tokyo itinerary – The Perfect Three Days in Tokyo Itinerary
- Check out the highlights – Top Things To Do In Tokyo
- See Tokyo’s weird and quirky side – 50 Weird And Unique Things To Do In Tokyo
- Learn where to escape the crowds – Off-The-Beaten-Path Places In Tokyo
- Get out of the city for a day – Best Day Trips From Tokyo
- Gain some elevation over Tokyo – Six Amazing Tokyo Viewpoints
Special Public Viewings for Japan National Team Matches (Go Samurai Blue!)
The following events are focused specifically on the Japan National Team’s matches, rather than every FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
These are the best public viewing options if you want a more event-style atmosphere with Japanese football fans.
Zepp Shinjuku Public Viewing
Zepp is hosting special FIFA World Cup 2026 public viewing events for Japan’s group stage matches.
The first Japan vs Netherlands match will be live streamed outside Zepp Yokohama, while the Japan vs Tunisia and Japan vs Sweden matches can be publicly viewed outside Zepp Shinjuku. The Shinjuku events are also expected to include guest speakers, making them feel more like a live football event than a simple screening.
Tickets are required, so this is one to book in advance if you want to join.
Sunshine City Mall
Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is one of my favourite malls in Tokyo, and for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they’re getting in on the excitement too.
They will be live streaming the Japan national team matches in their atrium, going as far as opening at 3 a.m. for the 5 a.m. kickoff of the Japan vs Netherlands match. That is an early start, but also a fun Tokyo experience if you’re dedicated enough to cheer on the Samurai Blue before sunrise.
Check Sunshine City’s official event information for entry details, because screenings require advance registration through their app, and (free!) tickets are secured through a lottery system.
T-Joy (Toei) Movie Theater Screenings
Some movie theaters in Japan will also be live streaming the Japan World Cup matches, including Toei’s T-Joy theaters.
In Tokyo, this includes Shinjuku Wald 9, which is hosting Japan national team public viewing events. It’s no surprise you’ll need to buy tickets for this one.
Watching a football match in a cinema could be a fun option if you want a big screen, proper seating, and a slightly more comfortable environment than a crowded bar.
Check the full list of participating T-Joy locations before booking, as participating theaters vary.
STARRISE TOWER near Tokyo Tower
STARRISE TOWER, located near Tokyo Tower, is also hosting special live screenings for Japan’s three FIFA World Cup group stage matches.
They’ll be setting up a big screen for fans to watch the Samurai Blue matches together, making this another good choice if you want a more event-style public viewing rather than a regular sports bar. Tickets are required, so check the event page and purchase in advance.
Quick Tips for Watching Japan World Cup Matches in Tokyo
Because 2026 FIFA World Cup match times are a little awkward in Japan this year, don’t assume every venue will be showing every match live. Some places may only show daytime games, while others may replay early-morning matches later in the day.
Before you go, be sure to check:
- whether the match is being shown live or replayed later
- whether reservations or tickets are required
- which store or theater branch is showing the match
- opening times for early-morning games
- whether there is a minimum spend, entry fee, or drink package
Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Borderless or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
