Japan hosts France on the third day of the 2026 Nations Championship, where two teams with one victory and one loss so far in the Southern Hemisphere Series meet in Tokyo. Fabien Galthie has announced changes to the front row as Les Bleus look to head into the Christmas season with a positive win.
Eddie Jones, however, will love nothing more than giving a bigger kid a bloody nose. The Brave Blossoms opened the tournament with an impressive 27-10 win over Italy before a 36-20 loss to Ireland last weekend in which the Asian team put in a creditable performance. Flyhalf Ryunosuke Ito will once again start with his key boot to help Japan outperform in many kicking metrics in this tournament.
For France, Galthie has brought Regis Montagne, Maxime Lamothe and Jefferson Poirot into the front row after declaring himself dissatisfied with the pack in last weekend’s 42-26 thrashing of Australia. Although Les Bleus came close to beating New Zealand on the opening weekend, they hoped to have come out better from a win and a loss. Maxime Lucu has impressed at scrum-half in the absence of Antoine Dupont. Matthieu Jalibert occupies the full-back position.
Read on as we explain how to watch Japan vs France for free at the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch Japan vs France for free?
Yeah. Japan vs France is broadcast free of charge rugbypass tv in the USA, in ITVX in the UK and in Virgin multimedia game in Ireland.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a vpn to watch Japan vs France for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch live streams between Japan and France
A VPN is useful software that can make your device appear as if you are in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. Best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the US
Japan vs France, along with the 42 Nations Championship games, is available to live stream for FREE on rugbypass tv in the US
You can tune in 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 traveling away from home to unblock your stream.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the UK
In the UK, Japan vs France is broadcast free-to-air ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g. HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re outside the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out 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 free of charge on Virgin multimedia game platform in Ireland.
You will need an account to view this stream.
Outside Ireland? You will need 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 vs France is exclusive to sport.
Stan Sport costs AU$20 a month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12 a month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to see 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 is showing 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 get access to your home streaming service.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in South Africa
The Japan vs France match is broadcast on supercar in South Africa.
You will need a DStv Access Package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs 99 per month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a vpn and tell your device that you’re back home and ready to go.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Canada
In Canada, Japan vs France airs on top level sports.
A monthly pass costs CAD 29.99. You’ll need the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune in to the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to see the action, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time of Japan vs France?
The scheduled start time between Japan and France on Saturday, July 18 is 5:40 pm JST local time in Tokyo, which is 1:40 am PT / 4:40 am ET / 9:40 am BST / 6:40 pm AEST.
What is the head-to-head between Japan and France like?
France has won seven of its previous eight meetings with Japan. There has been a tie.
In Japan, the matchup is 2-0 against France.
Can I watch Japan vs France on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone. 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 when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
