When Japan qualified for the knockout stage on Friday after a draw with Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans were not just watching the game at home, sports bars or at public viewing events. They were watching it on their smartphones while on trains, and via tablets set on street corners.
With streaming services offering live broadcasts for the sporting event, anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection can become a watch party. And many fans in Japan were taking full advantage of the opportunity, especially given the inopportune timing of the last group stage match being on a weekday morning thanks to the time difference.
“While viewing used to be tied to a specific place, like being at home, now people can watch anywhere and anytime, which has made the experience much more convenient,” said Yoshihiro Oi, an associate professor at Waseda University’s sports department.
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