Japan FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Schedule, Squad, Live Stream
As anticipation builds toward the Women’s World Cup 2023, Japanese football fans are rejoicing after securing a last-minute deal that ensures they won’t miss a single moment of the action.
The national broadcaster, NHK, reached an agreement with FIFA to televise the tournament games, lifting any doubts about blackouts.
Fans will be eager to support their beloved team, fondly nicknamed “Nadeshiko,” which has already made a mark in women’s football by winning the tournament in 2011 and reaching the final four years later.
Japan Women’s World Cup 2023 TV Schedule
Japan is placed in Group C and will square off against Spain, Zambia, and Costa Rica in the first round.
Here are the scheduled games for Nadeshiko Japan:
| Date | Group | Fixture | Time (JST) | TV Channel | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 22, 2023 | C | Zambia v Japan | 17:00 | NHK BS1 | Waikato Stadium |
| 26 Jul 2023 | C | Japan v Costa Rica | 15:00 | NHK BS1 | Dunedin Stadium |
| 31 Jul 2023 | C | Japan v Spain | 17:00 | NHK synthesis*2 | Wellington |
Japan Women’s World Cup Squad 2023
The final 23-player squad for the Japan Women’s National Team was announced on June 13, 2023. Led by head coach Futoshi Ikeda, the team brings a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents.
Some of the key players to watch out for include Ayaka Yamashita, Saki Kumagai, Hina Sugita, and Mina Tanaka.
You can check out the complete squad roster here:
| Position | Player | Age | Caps | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Ayaka Yamashita | 27 | 55 | INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| GK | Momoko Tanaka | 23 | 5 | Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
| GK | Chika Hirao | 26 | 4 | Albirex Niigata |
| DF | Risa Shimizu | 27 | 59 | West Ham United |
| DF | Moeka Minami | 24 | 31 | Roma |
| DF | Saki Kumagai (captain) | 32 | 133 | Bayern Munich |
| DF | Shiori Miyake | 27 | 35 | INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| DF | Hana Takahashi | 23 | 13 | Urawa Reds |
| DF | Kiko Seike | 26 | 7 | Urawa Reds |
| DF | Miyabi Moriya | 26 | 0 | INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| DF | Rion Ishikawa | 20 | 1 | Urawa Reds |
| MF | Hina Sugita | 26 | 35 | Portland Thorns |
| MF | Hinata Miyazawa | 23 | 20 | MyNavi Sendai |
| MF | Hikaru Naomoto | 29 | 31 | Urawa Reds |
| MF | Fūka Nagano | 24 | 30 | Liverpool |
| MF | Jun Endō | 23 | 31 | Angel City |
| MF | Yui Hasegawa | 26 | 63 | Manchester City |
| MF | Aoba Fujino | 19 | 7 | Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
| MF | Honoka Hayashi | 25 | 22 | West Ham United |
| FW | Riko Ueki | 23 | 17 | Tokyo Verdy Beleza |
| FW | Mina Tanaka | 29 | 62 | INAC Kobe Leonessa |
| FW | Maika Hamano | 19 | 4 | Hammarby IF |
| FW | Remina Chiba | 24 | 4 | JEF United Chiba |
Japan FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 TV Channel & Rights
In Japan, the national broadcaster NHK will televise the Women’s World Cup games. This agreement with FIFA ensures that football fans in the country can cheer for their national team without interruption.
Also, this is the first time the TV rights for the Women’s World Cup are being sold independently of the men’s competition, marking a significant step towards recognizing women’s football in its own right.
How to Stream Women’s World Cup 2023 from Outside of Japan?
For those traveling or living outside of Japan, streaming platforms such as ExpressVPN can provide access to the tournament.
VPNs are an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution to watch matches with privacy, security, and unrestricted access. However, ensure you are in compliance with local laws and streaming service terms and conditions before using VPNs.
How to Watch FIFA Women’s World Cup in Japan?
Football enthusiasts can enjoy the live broadcast of the Women’s World Cup 2023 games on the NHK channel.
For on-demand and live stream online NHK Plus is the option for you.
NHK Plus (NHK+) is the online service offered by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). It provides simultaneous live streaming and on-demand distribution of NHK’s general and E-tele channels’ content.
Users can access live broadcasts and catch up on missed programs, making it a convenient way to watch NHK’s shows and stay up to date with their favorite programs.
They will be telecasting the matches involving the Japanese Women’s National Team, offering an opportunity for fans to support their team from the comfort of their homes.
Can I Watch Soccer World Cup Free in Japan?
NHK, a public broadcaster, will be airing the Women’s World Cup games. So, if you’re in Japan and have access to NHK Plus, you’ll be able to watch the games for free.
Stay tuned for the electrifying action as the Women’s World Cup 2023 unfolds. Whether you’re cheering for Nadeshiko Japan or simply a lover of football, this tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments and top-class games!
