Japan will host France on day three of the 2026 Nations Championship as two teams with one win and one loss so far in the southern hemisphere series meet in Tokyo. Fabien Galthie has made changes to the frontline as the Blues look to head into the festive period with a positive victory.
Eddie Jones, however, will love nothing more than to bloody a bigger boy’s nose. The Brave Blossoms opened the tournament with an impressive 27-10 victory over Italy before a 36-20 defeat to Ireland last weekend in which the Asian team performed creditably. Fly-half Ryunosuke Ito will start again with his key start for Japan to lead in many kicking metrics this tournament.
For France, Galthie brought in Régis Montagne, Maxime Lamothe and Jefferson Poirot to the front row after expressing dissatisfaction with the pack during last weekend’s 42-26 drubbing of Australia. Although the Blues came close to beating New Zealand on the opening weekend, they might have expected to fare better after a win and a loss. Maxime Lucu impressed at scrum-half in the absence of Antoine Dupont. Matthieu Jalibert plays the full-back position.
Read on as we explain how to watch Japan vs France in the 2026 Nations Championship for free.
Can you watch Japan vs France for free?
Yes. Japan vs France is broadcast unencrypted Rugbypass TV in the United States, on ITVX in the United Kingdom, and on Blank Media Set in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch Japan vs France for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch Japan vs France live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the United States
Japan vs France, as well as matches from the 42 Nations Championship, are available live for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the United States.
You can connect via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside the United States? Use a VPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the UK
In the UK, Japan vs France is streamed for free on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re not in the UK but still want to connect, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Ireland
Japan vs France is broadcast unencrypted on Blank Media Set platform in Ireland.
You will need an account to watch this stream.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas detailed above, to access your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Australia
In Australia, Japan against France is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month in addition to a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were at home.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport Reviews broadcasts the Japan vs France match.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service from NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in South Africa
The Japan vs France match is broadcast on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Canada
In Canada, the Japan vs. France match is broadcast on Premier Sports.
A monthly subscription costs CA$29.99. You will need either the six-month pass at CA$79.99 or the annual subscription at CA$139.99/year to enjoy the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time for Japan vs France?
Japan’s scheduled kick-off time against France on Saturday, July 18 is 5:40 p.m. JST Tokyo local time, which is 1:40 a.m. PT / 4:40 a.m. ET / 9:40 a.m. BST / 6:40 p.m. AEST.
What is the Japan-France face-to-face?
France has won seven of its previous eight meetings against Japan. There was a draw.
In Japan, the head-to-head stands at 2-0 against France.
Can I watch Japan vs France on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX, BBC iPlayer and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
