The FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial spectacle, is finally about to begin. This year's tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11, 2026, will be the largest World Cup in history, with the number of participating countries expanding from the traditional 32 to 48. For manager Hajime Moriyasu, who took the helm in July 2018, this tournament represents the culmination of his ninth year in the position.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by: Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 31, 2026]
The press conference announcing the Japanese national team generated excitement ahead of the World Cup opening.
On May 15th, three television networks brought their cameras to the press conference in Tokyo where the Japanese national team members were announced. The sheer number of reporters gathered at the announcement speaks volumes about the special nature of the World Cup. The eye-catching image at the beginning of this article is a scene from that press conference, and a Hublot watch was gleaming on manager Hajime Moriyasu's left wrist.
At the press conference, difficult decisions were made, such as dropping injured players from the team, but Coach Mori's selection criteria were clear: "The ability to be in 100% condition during the tournament." When asked about his current feelings, he followed up the phrase "flowing like clouds and water" used in the previous tournament with "thoroughness in the ordinary." This reflects his belief that even on a special stage, it is an extension of the process they have built up so far. "We want to do what we can now properly, make the best preparations, and give our all in each and every match, just as we have always done." Though tears welled up in his eyes as he thought of the players, his unwavering words revealed his determination to aim for the "best view."
A special model that accompanies the Japanese national soccer team as they aim for the top of the world.
The watch worn by Coach Mori at that press conference was the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium Blue Victory. Hublot, which has served as the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup for many years, is a brand that has forged a bond with the team since the 2010 South Africa tournament. It also has a deep connection with the Japanese national team, having established an official partnership with the Japan Football Association (JFA) in 2015. At the end of February this year, the brand announced the Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium Blue Victory as a new model symbolizing that partnership. The fact that the coach himself wore the watch on his wrist at the nationally watched event of the team announcement eloquently demonstrates the unwavering relationship between the brand and the Japanese national team.
A powerful chronograph clad in Samurai Blue.
This model is a chronograph based on the "Classic Fusion" series. The dial features a dark navy color inspired by the Samurai Blue, the team color of the Japanese national football team, and the football motif on the sub-dial at the 3 o'clock position is sure to delight supporters. The titanium case skillfully combines satin and polished finishes, allowing you to enjoy the changing appearance depending on the viewing angle.
Despite its substantial 45mm size, this watch boasts a powerful design that perfectly blends sportiness and elegance, with the Hublot "H" logo motif adorning the chronograph seconds hand, giving the entire dial a refined look. The strap, a combination of fabric and black rubber, ensures ample comfort for everyday wear.
The watch is powered by the Cal.HUB1143 movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The case back is engraved with "SPECIAL EDITION," and the accompanying box is printed with the JFA emblem, adding significant value as a collector's item. Incidentally, this model is only available at Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers in Japan.
Automatic movement (Cal. HUB1143). 59 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Titanium case (diameter 45.0 mm, thickness 13.05 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Japan only. Price: 1,705,000 yen (tax included).
Incidentally, the watch worn by Coach Mori at the previous 2022 Qatar World Cup was Hublot's connected watch, the "Big Bang e Blue Victory" (Ref. 450.EX.1100.VR.JFA22). This special edition, limited to 150 pieces in Japan, features a 44mm diameter blue ceramic case embodying the Samurai Blue color scheme, combined with a calfskin and rubber strap—a first for the "Big Bang e" series. Equipped with Wear OS, it boasts a battery life of approximately 24 hours and 3 ATM water resistance, providing the practicality needed to withstand the demanding schedule of the tournament.
Wear OS. Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+. Compatible with Android 11.0 and later (excluding Go edition) and iOS 15.0 and later. Battery life approximately 24 hours. Ceramic case (44mm diameter). 3 ATM water resistance. Limited edition of 150 pieces in Japan. Reference item.
During the match, Coach Mori was repeatedly seen on camera glancing at his wrist from the sidelines, but the weight of the time that watch had ticked alongside him cannot be fully conveyed by video alone. After advancing to the knockout stage, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Croatia in a penalty shootout. The words he vowed to "aim for the quarterfinals and create a new landscape" were deeply etched in the hearts of football fans across Japan.
From connected watches to mechanical chronographs—four years have passed since that "new landscape." Now, as they strive for the "ultimate landscape," the partnership between Director Mori and Hublot deepens with each tournament.
All eyes are on Moriyasu's Japan team as they try to advance from Group F.
The Japanese national team has been placed in Group F, where they will compete against the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in three matches to advance from the group. Their first match of the tournament will be against the Netherlands, a top-ranked European powerhouse, on June 15th Japan time at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This will be the first match between the two countries since an international friendly in November 2013, and it will be a crucial match that will determine the outcome of the entire group. Their second match will be against Tunisia on June 21st in Monterrey, Mexico, and their third match will be the final showdown against Sweden, the winners of the European playoffs, on June 26th.
With the number of participating countries expanded to 48 this year, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the top eight third-placed teams from each group will also qualify for the knockout stage (Round of 32). As goal difference and total goals scored will be important indicators, an aggressive approach to scoring as many goals as possible will be required throughout all matches. With Coach Mori's tactics guided by the motto "Thoroughness in the basics" and the dynamic performances of players hailed as the strongest in history, this summer's tournament is not to be missed.
