Japan Men's Goalball Team Finishes 4th at 2026 IBSA Goalball World Championships, Achieving Best-Ever Men's Result

On June 15, 2026 (Monday), the men's bronze medal match of the 2026 IBSA Goalball World Championships was held against Brazil. Japan trailed 2-4 at halftime and, despite attempts to mount a comeback in the second half, could not stop Brazil's offense, ultimately losing 6-10.

Historically, Japan's best results at the World Championships were 6th place for the men's team and 4th for the women's team. (※1)

By reaching the semifinals this year, the men's team achieved their best-ever finish at the World Championships. This result also matches the women's team's 4th-place finish at the 2014 tournament, making it the highest-ever combined result in Japanese goalball history.

Although qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games was not secured, the team will use this experience as motivation to pursue their next goals.

(※1) Japan national team records: https://jgba.or.jp/%e6%97%a5%e6%9c%ac%e4%bb%a3%e8%a1%a8/record

Toriyama (right) and Kaneko (left) throwing in the bronze medal match. Taguchi defending during the match.

Men's Bronze Medal Match Result

Japan 6-10 Brazil

Comments from player Taguchi after the match

― How do you reflect on today's game?

After yesterday's loss, we reset and aimed for a medal today. But perhaps this semifinal finish reflects our current skill level. Today's match reaffirmed that I may be one of the best center players in the world.

― How do you plan to improve moving forward?

I think I need to rebuild from scratch—physically and technically. I want to prove once again that I am truly the best player in the world.

Match video

https://www.youtube.com/live/8rJi5hIANGg?si=Bj2r5yqGIj89Gio2

Related press release

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000099.000101312.html

Tournament Overview

[Tournament Name] 2026 IBSA Goalball World Championships

[Dates] June 6 (Sat) – 16 (Tue), 2026 ※ Matches: June 10 (Wed) – 15 (Mon)

[Venue] Hangzhou, China

Match Results and Japan's Schedule (Japan Time)

June 10 (Wed)

Women: Japan 10-0 Poland

Men: Japan 11-1 Argentina

June 11 (Thu)

Women: Japan 9-1 Ukraine

Men: Japan 9-6 Finland

June 12 (Fri)

Women: Japan 1-1 Canada

Men: Japan 14-4 Poland

June 13 (Sat)

Women: Quarterfinal – Japan 1-2 USA

Men: Quarterfinal – Japan 16-9 USA

June 14 (Sun)

Women: 5th–8th Place Match – Japan 7-4 Canada

Men: Semifinal – Japan 6-12 Germany

June 15 (Mon)

Men: Bronze Medal Match – Japan 6-10 Brazil

19:00 Women: 5th Place Match – Japan vs Brazil