Japan sets championship ambition as World Cup opens under Moriyasu

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced on 11 June 2026, marking the start of the first tournament to feature 48 teams and be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The opening fixture, contested between Mexico and South Africa, took place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The expanded competition spans 39 days, concluding on 19 July, with a total of 104 matches scheduled across the three host nations.

For the Japanese national team, the tournament presents a significant strategic challenge. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu, managing the squad for the second consecutive World Cup, has established winning the championship as the team’s primary objective. Japan’s first match is scheduled to begin at 3:03 AM Japan time on 12 June, initiating their campaign in the expanded field.

The squad’s preparations have been impacted by the withdrawal of captain Wataru Endo, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury. This development marks a notable shift in the team’s leadership structure. The exact date on which the decision to withdraw Endo was made remains unspecified, as does the specific tactical impact his absence will have on the team’s setup.

NHK has responded to the event by launching a special website and content series to cover the tournament. This includes detailed player profiles, stadium features, and historical data on Japan’s previous seven World Cup appearances. The broadcaster is providing extensive coverage, including analysis of the 48 participating teams and their key players.

In the United States, exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the tournament are held by FOX and FS1. Coverage is available live and on-demand via the FOX One and FOX Sports applications. While media focus remains on the sporting event, a separate weather warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency on 3 June for southern prefectures remains unrelated to the football tournament.