The J.League has announced that the “NEXT GENERATION MATCH 2026” will be played on Wednesday 11 February 2026 (national holiday) at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama. The showcase fixture will see the U-18 J.League Selection take on the Japan High School Selection, bringing together some of the most promising talents from the club academy and high school systems.
U-18 club academy stars vs. elite high school talents
Since 2010, the NEXT GENERATION MATCH has provided a stage for the country’s top prospects, and the 2026 edition marks the 17th staging of the event. The U-18 J.League Selection is made up of players chosen from J.League club academies, while the Japan High School Selection is built around standout performers from the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament. It is a rare opportunity to see the best of both development pathways collide in one match.
In previous years, the fixture was played as a curtain-raiser to the FUJIFILM SUPER CUP. For 2026, however, it will be held as an independent event as part of the activities of the J.League Selection, allowing even greater focus on the match itself and the players involved.
Match overview
| Competition name | NEXT GENERATION MATCH 2026 |
| Organisers | Japan Football Association (JFA) / J.League |
| Supervising bodies | J.League / Kanagawa Football Association |
| Operational support | Yokohama Football Association |
| Sponsors | TENTIAL Inc., KAMO Trading Co., Ltd., BASE FOOD Inc., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. |
| Date | Wednesday 11 February 2026 (public holiday) |
| Kick-off | 14:05 (Japan time) |
| Venue | Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama |
| Fixture | U-18 J.League Selection vs Japan High School Selection |
| TV broadcast | Live on CS channel NTV G+ |
Team profiles and match format
The U-18 J.League Selection is composed of players chosen from J.League club academies (U-18), many of whom are already on the radar of professional clubs or national youth teams. The Japan High School Selection is made up primarily of players who impressed at the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, representing the pinnacle of the school football pathway.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match duration | 90 minutes (45 minutes each half) |
| Drawn match | Penalty shoot-out if level after 90 minutes |
| Player registration | 20 players |
| Substitutions | Up to 9 players |
| Substitution windows | Maximum of 3 substitution opportunities excluding half-time |
| Note | Match may be cancelled in case of severe weather |
Gateway to the future of Japanese football
Over the years, numerous players who have appeared in the NEXT GENERATION MATCH have gone on to play for the senior national team and enjoy successful careers in the J.League and abroad. Playing in front of a large crowd with television cameras present provides invaluable experience for young players taking their first steps toward the professional game.
The 2026 edition, held as a standalone event, is expected to feature many of the standout talents from club academies and high schools across the country. For scouts, coaches and supporters alike, it will be a chance to spot the next generation of stars in a highly competitive environment.
Tickets and how to watch
Tickets for the match will be available via the J.League Ticket platform. Details such as sales dates, seating categories and prices will be announced in due course on the official J.League website and related channels. Fans who cannot make it to Yokohama will still be able to follow the action live on CS channel NTV G+.
Related video and social media
The official J.League YouTube channel features highlights and behind-the-scenes content from previous NEXT GENERATION MATCH editions, offering a glimpse of how today’s stars once looked as teenagers. Updates and additional information about the 2026 match will also be shared via the league’s official X (Twitter) account.
