The Japan vs Spain live stream takes place today (Thursday, Dec. 1).
► Time 7 p.m. GMT / 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 6 a.m. AEDT (Dec. 2)
• U.S. — Watch on FOX via Sling
• U.K. — Watch on ITV and ITV Hub
• Watch anywhere — try ExpressVPN 100% risk free
Group E has been perhaps the most unpredictable of any group in Qatar. It has featured a 7-0 thrashing, big upsets and two European superpowers slugging it out, yet heading into the final fixtures qualification is possible for all four teams.
Many would have expected Japan to have three points on the board after two games, but not in the way it has transpired. A win over Germany was an impressive result but to then lose to an unfancied Costa Rica side was a missed opportunity, particularly after Spain had just put seven goals past them. La Roja meanwhile are top of the group and need just a draw to progress but could still go out completely, such is the competition in group E.
The goods news is that the Japan vs Spain live stream will be broadcast across the globe, and we'll show you how to watch from anywhere down below. Plus, make sure you don’t miss a moment of the World Cup by checking out our full how to watch World Cup 2022 live streams hub.
How to watch Japan vs Spain anywhere
The Japan vs Spain live stream will be shown on many different channels across the world. But what if you're not in your home country and want to watch it on your usual service?
The answer is to use a VPN, or virtual private network. A VPN will let you tune into your home coverage from wherever you are — meaning that if you're abroad, you can use one of the best VPN services to watch the games live as if you were in your lounge.
Our favorite right now is ExpressVPN, thanks to its combination of superb speed, great customer service and excellent device support. It also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, so you could check it out without having to sign up long-term.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, ExpressVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Sling or another service and watch the game.
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Japan vs Spain live streams by country
How to watch the Japan vs Spain live stream in the US
Soccer fans in the U.S. can watch the Japan vs Spain live stream on FOX and the FOX website with a valid login, if your local FOX affiliate is showing the match. FOX is included with all cable packages or with one of our best TV antenna picks.
Another option would be Sling TV: the Sling Blue package costs just $40 per month and comes with more than 30 channels including FOX (provided you're in an area with a local Fox affiliate). Best of all, right now Sling is offering half off the first month, allowing you to watch the entire World Cup for just $20.
Or you could go for Fubo.TV. Its Pro Plan costs $70 per month but gives you 121 channels, including FOX (provided you have a local affiliate), plus lots more for sports fans to enjoy.
Spanish language coverage is available via Telemundo or Peacock. The first 12 games will be available to watch on a free account, but if you want to watch the full tournament you'll need a Peacock Premium subscription ($9.99/month).
If you already use those services but aren't in the U.S. right now, you can watch the Japan vs Spain live stream by using a VPN such as ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Japan vs Spain live stream in Canada
Canadians can watch the Japan vs Spain live stream on TSN, the home of World Cup 2022 in Canada.
If you've cut the cord, you can sign up for TSN Direct for $19.99 per month or you can take an annual pass which works out at $16.66 per month. Plus, the service is open to all: you don't need to have TSN as part of an existing TV package.
If you live in Canada and already subscribe to TSN, but aren't at home right now, you can still watch a Japan vs Spain live stream by using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Japan vs Spain live stream in the UK
In the U.K., the Japan vs Spain live stream will be available to watch for free on ITV, or you can stream online via ITV Hub. You will need a valid U.K. TV license in order to watch the game on TV or via online streaming.
If you're not currently in the U.K. and have a valid TV license, you can still watch a Japan vs Spain live stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Japan vs Spain live stream in Australia
Aussie soccer fans can watch the World Cup 2022 for free on SBS, including the Japan vs Spain live stream. The free-to-air network is available on traditional TV or online by using SBS On-Demand.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN to watch all the action on SBS as if you were back home. ExpressVPN is out top pick of the options out there.
How to watch the Japan vs Spain live stream in New Zealand
Kiwis can access the Japan vs Spain live stream via Sky Sport. This costs $60.98 NZD per month, or you could go for the Sky Sport Now service, which gives you just the Sport channels but for a reduced cost of $19.99/week, $39.99/month or $399/year.
Not at home in New Zealand right now? You can still follow every game of the World Cup 2022 by using one of the best VPN services, such as ExpressVPN.
Japan vs Spain preview
While their fans have been lauded for cleaning up, the Japan team hasn’t quite done the same. A first every victory over Germany was a spectacular way to open the tournament but despite dominating the game against Costa Rica, Hajime Moriyasu saw his side fall to a shock defeat late on. In truth they should have been out of sight but a lack of quality finishing cost them dearly. Attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada is one of the team’s star players and has 12 goals for Frankfurt this season, but has been poor so far in Qatar (by his own admission). The Samurai Blue will be hoping his club form finds its way into this game. A win would take Japan through as group winners, while a draw would be enough — provided Costa Rica don’t win and Germany fail to usurp their goal difference.
Spain marked themselves as early contenders after a 7-0 blowout against Costa Rica in their first match. Despite playing without a recognized striker for the majority of the game, scoring was clearly not a problem. The likes of Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and teenager Gavi all bagged in a game that featured six different scorers. In the second round against Germany however, scoring seemed to be more of a struggle in a 1-1 tie. La Roja will go into this game as favorites and will dominate the ball as always but will be wary of the Japanese attacking threat. To cement top spot in the group and get a favorable draw Luis Enrique’s side will go for the win but a draw could also be enough. That is provided Costa Rica don’t record an unlikely victory against Germany, but at this World Cup, anything could happen.
The Japan vs Spain live stream will feature some of the top players from the best leagues in Europe. Spain are always easy on the eye, and Japan need a result so it's definitely worth tuning in.
Japan vs Spain team news
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is usually one of the first players picked for Japan, but he missed the defeat to Costa Rica through injury and isn't fit to play against Spain either. This is a major blow for head coach Hajime Moriyasu. Another defender, Hiroki Sakai, also faced a rush to recover in time and hasn't made the cut. Moriyasu hasn't been afraid to be bold here making several changes: Junya Ito, Ao Tanaka, Takefus Kubo and Daizen Meda all come into the starting XI.
Spanish wonderkid Gavi has been declared fit to start after picking up a knock against Germany. Rodri also starts, as does Sergio Busquets who is just one booking away from a suspension. Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Alejandro Balde and Nico Williams are selected ahead of Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres. Plus, there's starting spot for Alvaro Morata who came off the bench to score in La Roja's last two World Cup matches.
Japan: Gonda, Taniguchi, Yoshida, Itakura, Nagatomo, Morita, Ito, Tanaka, Kamada, Kubo, Maeda.
Spain: Unai Simón, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Pau Torres, Balde, Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Nico Williams, Olmo, Morata.
World Cup 2022 Group E table
Group H standings as of 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 1.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | PLAYED | GD | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Japan | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 2 | -6 | 3 |
| Germany | 2 | -1 | 1 |
