Zion Suzuki Voted MVP with 36.6% Support! A Match Highlighted by the Goalkeeper's Stellar Saves | Survey on Viewing Habits for the Japan vs. Sweden Match on June 26, 2026 (Fri)

Survey Findings (Key Points)

- The average score out of 10 was approximately 6.81 points. Only 38.1% gave a "high rating" of 8 points or more, with the most frequent response being "7 points" at 20.9%.

- Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was chosen as MVP by fans with 36.6% of the vote. The goalkeeper's performance, which thwarted numerous critical chances, was highly praised.

- Viewers who started watching from the 2026 USA, Canada, and Mexico tournament accounted for 7.4% of all viewers. Those who have been continuously watching since the 2002 Japan and Korea tournament comprised 68.9%, indicating a large proportion of long-term viewers.

【Survey Overview】

Survey Method: Conducted via web survey using the questionnaire system operated by NeoMarketing Inc.

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20-79 nationwide.

Number of Valid Responses: 1,110

Survey Period: June 26, 2026 (Fri) - June 29, 2026 (Mon)

Survey Organization: NeoMarketing Inc. (Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard)

32.0% watched in real-time on television. Meanwhile, a certain number also checked the game status on social media and apps.

Viewing and Support Methods (by response rate)

*Respondents = All (n=1,110, single response)

Watched live broadcast on TV

32.0%

Checked game status on social media or news apps

4.8%

Watched recorded or missed broadcast on TV

2.5%

Watched live stream on DAZN

2.4%

Watched at public viewing events, sports bars, etc.

0.6%

Did not watch or support

57.7%

Over half of viewers have a long history of watching since before the 2002 tournament. A strong base of long-term viewers.

Viewing history of the Japan National Soccer Team (by response rate) (Top 5 items)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=470, single response)

2002 Japan-Korea Tournament

25.7%

1998 France Tournament

21.5%

1994 USA Tournament

9.4%

2022 Qatar Tournament

8.5%

2026 USA, Canada, Mexico Tournament (Current Tournament)

7.4%

Volume zone is 7 points (20.9%) - Is the MVP selection of the GK and the modest average score a sign of "defensive play"?

Match Evaluation (out of 10 points)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=470, single response)

The most frequent score for the Sweden match was "7 points" at 20.9%, with an average score of 6.81 points.

This can be interpreted as the Japan national team achieving a certain level of success amidst a tough match. Those who gave high ratings of 8 or more points were 38.1%.

The opening goal from fluid passing sequences and the crucial saves by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the closing stages were etched in the fans' memories.

Memorable Scenes and Plays

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=470, free response)

Extracted from free-response data (FA), focusing on the three most frequently mentioned points.

1. Zion Suzuki's series of super saves

The plays that prevented decisive chances late in the second half and in added time left a strong impression. Many voices praised the defense that saved the team.

"Zion's save in second-half added time"

"Saved by Zion Suzuki's super save"

"Zion Suzuki's god-like big save"

2. Daizen Maeda's opening goal and passing combination

Many respondents cited "Maeda's opening goal" as a memorable scene.

In particular, the "beautiful passing" and "fluid combination" leading up to the goal, as well as the assist from Doan, were highly praised.

"The scene of the opening goal, beautifully constructed, was good."

"Maeda's passing to the goal"

"The fluid combination when Japan scored the goal"

3. Yuto Nagatomo's appearance and the veteran's run

His appearance in a national team match after a long time attracted significant attention.

Opinions of "being moved" by his running on the pitch as the oldest player, and voices praising his attitude to change the team's atmosphere were received.

"Nagatomo's selection" "Nagatomo's appearance"

"Moved by the run of the oldest player, Nagatomo."

"Nagatomo was able to play."

In addition, passionate comments were scattered regarding other irregular events during the match and various opinions surrounding the referee's decisions.

1st place: Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, whose great saves were memorable, with 36.6%. 2nd place: Midfielder Daizen Maeda, who fought hard on both offense and defense, with 21.5%.

MVP You Chose (by response rate) (Top 5)

*Respondents = Those who watched (n=470, single response)

[GK] Zion Suzuki

36.6%

[MF] Daizen Maeda

21.5%

[Coach] Hajime Moriyasu

12.1%

[MF] Ao Tanaka

5.3%

[MF] Ritsu Doan

4.5%

Background of the Survey

International matches of the Japan National Soccer Team tend to see a rapid increase in public interest and discussion immediately after the match, due to the spread of social media and video streaming. Especially in international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, evaluations of match results and player performances become national concerns, and viewing and support styles diversify across generations.

Against this backdrop, NeoMarketing Inc. conducted a survey on the viewing habits and match evaluations of the Japan national team matches. By collecting and analyzing the real-time voices of people nationwide aged 20-79 immediately after the match, we aim to clarify the current state of consumer consciousness surrounding sports viewing.

Click here for the survey service used in this survey

Net Research: https://corp.neo-m.jp/service/research/quantitation/netresearch-domestic/

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Source: https://corp.neo-m.jp/report/investigation/sports_013_soccer-wc2026-japan-vs-sweden

About NeoMarketing Inc.

Company Name: NeoMarketing Inc.

Location: Yomeishu Building 11F, 16-25 Minamidai, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Mitsunobu Hashimoto, Representative Director

Capital: 86.36 million yen (as of the end of December 2025)

Business Activities: Marketing Support Business

URL: https://corp.neo-m.jp/

*NeoMarketing is a member of the Japan Marketing Research Association (Member No: 20220).

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