Japan will take on Iceland on Sunday, May 31, in an international friendly as the Samurai Blue continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match is expected to serve as an important warm-up game for Hajime Moriyasu’s side before they begin their World Cup campaign later this month.Japan arrive in good form after winning their last two friendlies in March.
The Samurai Blue secured a 1-0 victory over Scotland before defeating England by the same scoreline a few days later.
Iceland, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will use this match as an opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest national teams.
The visitors have struggled for consistency in recent matches and face a difficult challenge in Tokyo.
Photo by Liu Lu/CFIDC/VCG via Getty Images
Japan have been drawn into Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia.
Moriyasu’s team will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage after a strong qualification campaign and several encouraging results against top international opposition.
Japan vs Iceland Expected Lineups
Japan:
- Goalkeeper: Suzuki
- Defenders: Seko, Watanabe, Ito
- Midfielders: Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Maeda; Suzuki, Sano
- Forward: Goto
Iceland:
- Goalkeeper: Valdimarsson
- Defenders: Palsson, Hermannsson, Ingason, Tomasson
- Midfielders: Haraldsson, Johannesson, Gudmundsson
- Forwards: Willumsson, Gudjonsen, Thorsteinsson
Japan vs Iceland Prediction
Japan will enter the match as clear favourites. The hosts have looked organised defensively throughout their recent matches and have several attacking players capable of creating chances.
Japan’s quality in midfield and attack should give them the advantage over ninety minutes.
Prediction: Japan 2-0 Iceland
How and Where to Watch Japan vs Iceland
The international friendly between Japan and Iceland will kick off at 6:25 AM ET (7:25 PM JST) On Sunday, May 31, in Tokyo.
Fans in Japan can watch the match live on Nippon TV (NTV), with streaming coverage also available through TVer.
Viewers in the United States can tune in at 6:25 AM ET and watch the game on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Connect.
In Canada, the match also starts at 6:25 AM ET and is expected to be available on beIN SPORTS Canada and Fubo Canada.
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the match from 11:25 AM BST through international football streaming services and selected sports broadcasters carrying the fixture.
For viewers in other countries, broadcast availability will vary by region. International fans should check local listings, with coverage expected through FIFA+, beIN SPORTS networks, and other regional broadcasters where available.