The FIFA World Cup 2026 has once again united football fans around the world with unforgettable goals, dramatic upsets, and emotional victories. But when the final whistle blows and you’re waiting for the next match, there’s another way to keep that competitive energy going.
To celebrate the tournament, Crunchyroll has highlighted a lineup of sports anime that capture the same determination, teamwork, and never-give-up attitude seen on football’s biggest stage. Whether you’re looking for intense soccer action or want to branch out into volleyball, basketball, racing, or figure skating, these series offer plenty of memorable moments.
Here are 10 sports anime worth adding to your watchlist during the World Cup.
1. Blue Lock
If the World Cup has you craving more football action, Blue Lock should be your first stop. The story follows Japan’s ambitious project to create the country’s ultimate striker by forcing 300 young forwards into a ruthless elimination program. Its high-stakes competition and psychological battles make it one of the most popular modern soccer anime.
2. Haikyu!!
Even if volleyball isn’t your favorite sport, Haikyu!! is difficult to resist. Hinata’s determination to become a top player despite his height, combined with his rivalry-turned-partnership with Tobio Kageyama, creates one of anime’s most inspiring team stories.
3. Slam Dunk
A true sports anime classic, Slam Dunk follows delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi, whose initial interest in basketball begins for the wrong reasons before evolving into genuine passion. The series remains one of the most influential basketball anime ever made.
4. Kuroko’s Basketball
Rather than focusing solely on raw talent, Kuroko’s Basketball explores strategy and teamwork. The unlikely partnership between Taiga Kagami and the seemingly invisible Tetsuya Kuroko creates exciting matches filled with creative plays.
5. Eyeshield 21
American football takes center stage in Eyeshield 21, where shy runner Sena discovers that his incredible speed could make him the perfect secret weapon for his school’s football team.
6. The Prince of Tennis
One of the genre’s longest-running franchises, The Prince of Tennis delivers intense rivalries and dramatic matches as elite tennis players battle to prove they’re the best.
7. MF Ghost
For viewers who prefer speed over stadiums, MF Ghost offers thrilling racing action. Set in a future dominated by self-driving electric vehicles, the series follows Kanata Rivington as he competes in the prestigious MFG racing circuit while searching for his father.
8. Yuri!!! On Ice
Combining sports with emotional character development, Yuri!!! On Ice tells the story of figure skater Yuri Katsuki as he attempts to rebuild his confidence under the guidance of legendary skater Victor Nikiforov.
9. Offside
Football fans looking for another soccer series should check out Offside, which follows Goro as he joins Kawasaki High’s football team and learns that winning requires more than individual talent.
10. Shoot! Goal to the Future
Another excellent football recommendation, Shoot! Goal to the Future follows former champion Atsushi Kamiya as he returns to his old school to coach a struggling team and reignite the passion of players who have lost faith in the sport.
Whether you’re celebrating your national team’s latest victory or simply counting down to the next World Cup fixture, these anime showcase the determination, rivalry, teamwork, and emotional highs that make sports so compelling. With every title available on Crunchyroll, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-filled stories to enjoy long after the match ends.
