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The World Cup is about to kick off, which means you probably want to watch some of the best soccer anime around to get your football fix in between matchdays.
To help you navigate the free kicks, fouls, and frenzied support of the world's beautiful game in animation, we've put together a list of the essential (and best) soccer anime to watch in 2026. They include cult classics, shows that have inspired some of the world's best players, and so much more. Back of the net!
For more from the world of anime, check out our picks for the best anime on Crunchyroll, plus our wider look at this year's new anime.
Captain Tsubasa
Number of seasons: 1
Available on: Crunchyroll
Perhaps the best-known soccer anime of all time, Captain Tsubasa has proved influential on the careers of real-world players Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, and Andres Iniesta.
From day dot, Captain Tsubasa (which launched in 1983) was a sensation thanks to its inspiring story, colorful cast of characters, and opponents you loved to root against. For many, Tsubasa's iconic 'block' in the very first episode still resonates as an anime classic moment alongside any shonen battle or fight scene.
There's a reason, then, why a generation of children – whether they grew up to be world-class stars or otherwise – were enraptured by the ongoing saga of student Tsubasa and his dream to one day lift the World Cup.
Tsubasa's quality, once you ignore the slightly dated animation of the original series, is in its longevity – with multiple series covering the lead's inspiring journey from fledgling upstart to professional breakthrough.
Start with the '80s original (or skip to the more widely-available 2018 remake) and work your way up to find a unique, captivating sports anime that broke new ground outside of Japan, as well as creating an icon that persists today in the hearts of millions.
Blue Lock
Number of seasons: 2
Available on: Crunchyroll
The new kid on the block, Blue Lock burst onto the scene back in 2022 and has been top of the league ever since.
Centred on the development of striker Isagi in his bid to become an egocentric 'perfect' forward with a relentless eye for goal, the upstart is joined by hundreds in the 'Blue Lock' program. Child labor laws aside, it's a killer premise – putting all of Japan's biggest soccer hopefuls into one facility in a bid to spit out worldbeaters, and all the rivalries and close calls that go with it.
Yes, the soccer can sometimes take a back seat to the cacophony of colorful powers and disruptive chaos that explodes around the players in lieu of actually kicking a ball, but it's an exciting depiction of a sport that has been surprisingly dormant in the anime space in recent years.
If you can look past the second season's admittedly rougher animation, you'll be on board for what could one day be held up as Gen Z's Captain Tsubasa. A live-action movie and a third season are also in the works, proving Blue Lock has the staying power to outlast its competitors.
Giant Killing
Number of seasons: 1
Available on: Roku
Everyone loves a David vs. Goliath soccer story. Whether it's Wrexham's march up the English leagues backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, Leicester City's remarkable 5000/1 Premier League win, or Greece's unlikely pragmatic victory at Euro 2004, there's always plenty of narrative juice in achieving the unexpected on the field.
No better is that feeling communicated in anime than in Giant Killing. Where some sports anime start from the bottom and work their way up, this short-lived anime charted the spluttering fortunes of the top division's East Tokyo United and its incoming, unorthodox manager Takeshi Tatsumi.
It would be reductive to call this an anime Ted Lasso, but the similarities are there: a rags-to-riches story, a triumph against the odds, and an ensemble of colorful players you would run through a brick wall for.
Its 26-episode run may leave you feeling a little short-changed, but its brisk, breezy season encompasses all the highs and lows of a typical football campaign – and there's always the manga if you want to see how East Tokyo United fare next.
Inazuma Eleven
Number of seasons: 3
Available on: Prime Video
If you're looking for a down-to-earth soccer anime, Inazuma Eleven isn't it. Instead, the sports series turns the on-pitch action up to 11 with supercharged abilities and shots that break the sound barrier. You're not getting that at your local non-league ground, that's for sure.
While Inazuma Eleven doesn't break new ground with its story – Raimon Jr. High is striving for success with a bunch of hopeful upstarts – it's unapologetically entertaining with its shonen-like story, one that goes on to include aliens, conspiracies, and time travel. It even spawned its own media franchise, with several of its games worth checking out if you want more of its unique madcap soccer energy.
Aoashi
Number of seasons: 1
Available on: Crunchyroll
We've already dealt with larger-than-life characters and OTT moments in soccer, but Aoashi is an anime that deals in fighting spirit over style and pizazz.
Player Ashito Aoi is built more in the Hajime no Ippo mold: a player of tremendous potential, but one that needs to scratch and claw his way to the top through good old-fashioned hard work. Along the way, he butts heads – and clashes cleats – with opponents while playing for Esperion Academy. A second season has been announced, and we can't wait to see more of the gritty, grounded action – a perfect palate cleanser for those who prefer a sports underdog story.
For more, check out our picks of the best anime movies, plus all the best anime shows you should be watching in 2026.
