England takes on Japan in a blockbuster International Friendly at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This fixture is part of the “2026 send off series” and KIRIN WORLD CHALLENGE, serving as crucial World Cup preparation for both nations. England, ranked in the Top 5 globally, seeks to build momentum before their quest for a first major trophy since 1966. Japan arrives as Asia’s leading force, ready to test their tactical discipline against European elite. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT in London.
Match Preview
This encounter has been described as “one of the most attractive friendlies in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup” and carries significant weight for both teams. England swept through FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with commanding form, showcasing their offensive firepower and physical dominance. Their fundamental objective is to impose possession and exploit attacking options against quality opposition. Japan, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu and captain Wataru Endo, brings tactical speed and lethal counter-attacking capabilities. The Samurai Blue have proven they can compete at the highest level, though England holds a 2-1 advantage in previous head-to-head encounters. England aims to dominate through superior physicality and possession. Japan will rely on their signature speed and precision on the break to catch opponents off guard. Both squads view this fixture as essential preparation, making it a genuine test rather than a routine friendly. The stakes are clear: fine-tune systems, assess squad depth, and build confidence ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
Kickoff Time
The official kickoff is scheduled for 19:45 GMT (7:45 PM) at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Here are the start times across major time zones:
- Japan (JST): 03:45 AM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- United States (ET): 3:45 PM / (PT): 12:45 PM
- Central Europe (CET): 8:45 PM
- South Africa (SAST): 9:45 PM
- Australia (AEDT): 6:45 AM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026
How to watch online & on TV
The England vs Japan friendly will be broadcast across multiple territories worldwide. In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch on ITV1, STV, and ITVX for free. French fans can tune into L’Équipe Live Foot or SuperSport channels. Japanese audiences have access via NHK E TV and U-NEXT. Across Africa, DStv Now and SuperSport provide comprehensive coverage. Scandinavian countries can watch on Viaplay (Sweden, Norway) and TV2 Den (Denmark). US viewers can catch the action on Fox 2. Many streaming platforms require active subscriptions, while some broadcasters offer free-to-air coverage. Check your local provider for specific subscription costs and availability.
| 🏴 England | STV Player, ITV, STV, ITVX |
| 🏴 Scotland | STV Player, ITV, STV, ITVX |
| 🏴 Wales | STV Player, ITV, STV, ITVX |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ITV, ITVX |
| 🇫🇷 France | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, L’Équipe Live Foot |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Sport TV2 |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Viaplay |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Viaplay |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | TV2 Den |
| 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands | TV2 Den |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Polsat Sport Extra 3 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Fox 2 |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇧🇴 Bolivia | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | NHK E TV, U-NEXT |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇦🇴 Angola | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇸🇩 Sudan | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇷🇼 Rwanda | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇿🇲 Zambia | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇲🇷 Mauritania | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇧🇼 Botswana | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇹🇬 Togo | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇼 Malawi | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇬🇲 Gambia | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇱🇸 Lesotho | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇬🇦 Gabon | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇮 Burundi | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇬🇳 Guinea | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇳🇪 Niger | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇬 Madagascar | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇨🇫 Central African Republic | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇿 Mozambique | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇸🇿 Eswatini | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇰🇲 Comoros | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇱🇷 Liberia | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | SuperSport Maximo 2, DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇹🇩 Chad | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now |
| 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe | SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇸🇨 Seychelles | DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Premier League |
| 🇩🇯 Djibouti | SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇪🇷 Eritrea | DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇸🇴 Somalia | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | Megogo |
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access streaming platforms from anywhere in the world. If you’re traveling or living outside your home country, a VPN connects you to a server in your desired location, making it appear as though you’re browsing from there. This grants access to region-locked broadcasts. Here’s how to set it up:
- Get a VPN subscription: Choose a reputable VPN provider with servers in the country where your preferred broadcaster operates (e.g., UK for ITV, Japan for NHK).
- Install the VPN app: Download the application on your device (compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Smart TVs).
- Connect to a server: Select a server location matching your broadcaster’s region (for example, connect to a UK server for ITVX access).
- Login to the streaming platform: Open your chosen broadcaster’s website or app and log in with your credentials.
- Start watching: Stream the match as if you were physically located in that country.
VPNs work seamlessly across multiple devices, ensuring you never miss the action regardless of your location.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Many online sportsbooks offer live streaming services for registered users with funded accounts. This provides a convenient way to watch matches while also having access to live betting markets. The streaming quality is typically reliable, and you can switch between viewing and wagering seamlessly. Here’s how to access live streams through sportsbooks:
- Register an account: Sign up with a licensed sportsbook that offers live streaming services in your region.
- Verify your identity: Complete any required verification steps (age confirmation, address validation).
- Make a deposit: Fund your account with the minimum required amount (often as low as $10/£10/€10).
- Navigate to the match: Find England vs Japan in the upcoming fixtures section.
- Look for the ‘Play’ or ‘Watch Live’ icon: Click to start streaming once the match begins.
Some sportsbooks require you to place a small bet or maintain a positive balance to access streams. Check the specific terms and conditions of your chosen platform before kickoff.
Don’t miss this crucial World Cup preparation clash between two footballing powerhouses at the iconic Wembley Stadium. England’s attacking prowess meets Japan’s tactical precision in what promises to be a captivating spectacle. After the final whistle, visit TipsGG for comprehensive post-match analysis, player ratings, and expert insights into both teams’ World Cup prospects.