Japan Football Association withdraws eSports team from FIFAe World Cup 2026

The Japan Football Association (JFA) has announced that the Japanese national eSports team will not participate in the FIFAe World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from October 16 to 23.

The decision follows a rapid deterioration of security in Saudi Arabia. Recent attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi group on international airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, have resulted in significant casualties and travel disruptions.

Japan had qualified for both the console and mobile categories of the tournament. The team was set to compete in the console division with players Ax and Tess, and in the mobile division with players ao and Fuga. The JFA stated that the safety of players and staff was the primary consideration in the decision to withdraw.