Where to Watch Japan’s World Cup Matches
Here’s where to cheer on Samurai Blue in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 11, and even the most casual soccer fans are heading to their favorite sports bars to watch. If you love Samurai Blue here are a few places where you can enjoy Japan’s national team in action and hang out with members of the community.
Gosuke Restaurant
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. | Game Time: 4:00 p.m.
In the Henn na Hotel – 235 W. 35th Street
Soccer is better with sushi, beer, and great company!
Located inside the Henn na Hotel in Midtown, Gosuke Restaurant is hosting a special Game Watch Party. They promise great vibes as you cheer on Samurai Blue.
Can’t argue with their philosophy: “Kickoff, cold beer, and sushi—what else do you need?”
Soccer Sundays
New York Hall of Science – 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Enjoy “World Cup in the World’s Borough” as Queens Night Market partners with the borough of Queens to host free World Cup watch parties for the Queens community. Every Sunday during the World Cup, the matches will be broadcast on an outdoor 30-foot LED screen at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
There is plenty of room to picnic, and Queens Night Market is curating a selection of affordable food and beverages for purchase.
Schedule this Sunday, June 14
Germany vs Curaçao – 1:00 p.m.
Netherlands vs Japan – 4:00 p.m.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador – 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit Queens.NYC.
Kick off the 2026 World Cup at Japan Village
Japan Village Courtyard – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Japan Village in Brooklyn invites fans to cheer on Team Japan and enjoy all the fun.
Live game screening
Beer, sake, and food vendors outside
Team Japan merch
Free beer ticket with shirt purchase
To RSVP, please visit Japan Village’s website.
JCCI/NC/JAA Young Professionals Present: FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Sunday, June 14
Doors Open 3:00 p.m. | Game Time: 4:00 p.m.
Playwright Irish Pub – 27 W. 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 2nd floor event space
Admission: $20 (includes one free drink)
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), The Nippon Club, and the JAA Young Professionals present a FIFA World Cup watch party at Playwright Irish Pub in Midtown. Cheer on Samurai Blue’s first World Cup match of 2026 as they take on the Netherlands!
Network with members of the Japanese and Japanese American community in New York. Representatives from local soccer teams New York City FC and Red Bull New York will also be on hand. There will be raffle for $10 per ticket (cash only); prizes include NYCFC and Red Bull New York match tickets, merch, and more!
Registration is not required, but you may RSVP through this link. Watch Party organizers will collect payment at the door.
Live Streaming at Lucky Cat
Midtown East izakaya Lucky Cat is live streaming three of Japan’s matches in the first stage of the World Cup.
Schedule
Japan vs Netherlands – Sunday, June 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Japan vs Tunisia – Saturday, June 20 at Midnight
Japan vs. Sweden – Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Kirin Beer and Takara Shochu are sponsoring these events. Enjoy happy hour at Kirin Beer, where you can win souvenirs. Takara Shochu will offer a special shot called “The Blue Samurai” for all customers whenever Japan scores a goal.
Make a reservation in advance to ensure your spot and get the most out of this exciting event.
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