How do you say soccer in Japanese? Do Japanese call it soccer or football?

In Japan, the sport is generally called サッカー (sakkā), derived from the English word “soccer.” While the term “football” is generally understood, especially in international contexts, most people in Japan use サッカー in everyday conversation. 

Football is used in some football teams (FC Tokyo, FC Machida Zelvia…)

Japanese Football Vocabulary

Here are some useful other terms for following a match:

• Goal ゴール (gōru) 
• Player 選手 (senshu)
• Team チーム (chīmu)
• Match / Game  試合 (shiai)
• Head coach監督 (kantoku)
• Stadium スタジアム  (sutajiamu)
• Victory 勝利 (shōri)
• Defeat  敗北 (haiboku)
• Goalkeeper ゴールキーパーor キーパー (gōrukīpā)
• Defender ディフェンダー (difendā)
• Midfielder ミッドフィールダー (middofīrudā)
• Forward フォワード (fowādo)
• Corner Kick コーナーキック 
• Penalty Kick PK (ピーケー) 
• Free Kick フリーキック 
• Yellow Card イエローカード 
• Red Card レッドカード 
• Offside オフサイド
  

Expressions you will hear from fans watching  a match : 

• 頑張れ！(Ganbare!) – Come on! / Keep it up!
• いけー！(Ike!) – Go! Go for it!
• ナイスシュート！(Naisu shūto!) – Nice shot!
• 惜しい！(Oshii!) – So close!
• やったー！(Yattā!) – We did it! / Yes!
• すごい！(Sugoi!) – Amazing!
• 危ない！(Abunai!) – Watch out!
• もう少し！(Mō sukoshi!) – Almost there!
• いける！(Ikeru!) – We can do it!
• 勝てる！(Kateru!) – We can win!
• よっしゃ！(Yossha!) – Alright!

Expressions you will hear from commentators

• 先制点 (senseiten) – Opening goal
• 同点ゴール (dōten gōru) – Equalizing goal
• 逆転ゴール (gyakuten gōru) – Go-ahead goal / Comeback goal
• 追加点 (tsuikaten) – Additional goal
• 決勝点 (kesshōten) – Winning goal
• 前半 (zenhan) – First half
• 後半 (kōhan) – Second half
• 延長戦 (enchōsen) – Extra time
• PK戦 (PK-sen) – Penalty shootout

Fun facts about Japan and FIFA world cup 

• Japan’s professional football league, the J.League, was founded in 1993
• Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea
• The Japanese national team is nicknamed Samurai Blue
• Japan has qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998
• Many Japanese players now compete in top European leagues

One of the strengths of Japanese soccer is teamwork. Rather than relying on a single superstar, Japan is known for its disciplined tactics, quick passing, and strong work ethic. The team emphasizes collective play and organization, making it a difficult opponent for even the strongest nations. These qualities have helped Japan earn respect on the international stage and remain a consistent contender at the FIFA World Cup.

Where to Watch FIFA World Cup in Tokyo

If you are in Tokyo during the FIFA World Cup, there are many places where you can watch the matches live. Sports bars, pubs, and fan zones often broadcast games featuring the Japanese football team.

Popular venues include THE FooTNiK in Ebisu, Hobgoblin in Roppongi, Fields in Shibuya, and the many HUB locations in Shibuya and Shinjuku. These venues are popular with both local and international football fans and offer a lively atmosphere during major tournaments.

Watching Japanese soccer with local supporters is a fun way to practice Japanese and experience the excitement of the tournament. As World Cup screenings can fill up quickly when Japan is playing, it is a good idea to arrive early or make a reservation if possible.

By learning some Japanese football vocabulary and supporting the Samurai Blue, you can enjoy the tournament while improving your Japanese skills.

頑張れ日本！