Survey Results Show "Japan Victory" as Most Predicted Outcome

*This survey is intended to understand consumer awareness regarding international sporting events and is not indicative of any relationship with the organizers, related organizations, or official sponsors of specific tournaments. Furthermore, this release is not intended for the promotion of any specific tournament. MetLife Insurance K.K. (Representative Executive Officer, Chairman, President, and CEO: Dirk Ostijn) conducted an awareness survey targeting 1,035 consumers nationwide aged 20 to 69. The survey aimed to grasp consumer awareness regarding an international sporting event scheduled to open in June 2026, and to deepen understanding of the expectations, shared interests, and positive feelings and connections that arise through sports. This tournament is scheduled to be held as a large-scale international competition with 48 participating teams. MetLife Stadium is slated to be used as a venue for some of the matches to be held in the New York/New Jersey area of the United States. Such international sporting events are drawing attention as opportunities to bring positive feelings and confidence to many people through the efforts, challenges, and resilience of the athletes, and to foster connections not only at the venue but also among spectators and the local community. The survey asked about "victory predictions," "predictions for the Japanese team's advancement," and "how matches will be watched." The results indicated that international sporting events can heighten people's expectations and shared interests, and serve as a catalyst for empathy towards challenging attitudes, positive feelings, confidence, and a sense of connection. The top prediction for victory was "Japan" (22.5%), indicating high expectations for the Japanese team. Brazil followed closely at 22.2%. This heightened expectation suggests that effort and challenge in sports can bring positive feelings and common topics to people, serving as a trigger for connection and confidence. For the Japanese team's advancement prediction, "Top 8" was the most frequent answer (25.8%). Furthermore, the total percentage of respondents who predicted "Top 8 or higher" was 54.1%, showing high expectations for the Japanese team's advancement. Regarding viewing methods, "Live TV broadcast" accounted for 39.5%. Combined with "Live internet streaming," the intention for live viewing was 49.5%. Approximately one in two people expressed a desire for live viewing, confirming interest in real-time viewership. ■ "Japan" is the top pick for victory prediction, in a close race with Brazil When asked about victory predictions, the most common response was "Japan" (22.5%). This was followed by "Brazil" (22.2%), "France" (10.1%), "Spain" (9.6%), and "Germany" (7.7%). While votes were concentrated among global powerhouses, expectations for the Japanese team were also strongly expressed. Age-based analysis showed commonality in the top rankings. However, "Japan" was the top predicted winner among those in their 20s, 30s, and 50s, while "Brazil" was the top pick for those in their 40s and 60s, indicating differences in how age groups view potential winners. ■ "Top 8" is the most common prediction for the Japanese team's advancement, with 54.1% expecting "Top 8 or higher" When asked how far the Japanese team is expected to advance in the tournament, the most frequent answer was "Top 8" (25.8%). Additionally, 54.1% of respondents predicted advancement to "Top 8 or higher," including "Winner," "Runner-up," "Top 4," and "Top 8." This indicates rising expectations for the Japanese team's performance against global competitors. Age-based analysis revealed that this expectation was particularly high among those in their 20s, with 62.4% expressing high hopes for the Japanese team. ■ Live viewing intention is 49.5%, indicating interest in real-time viewership When asked about preferred viewing methods, "Live TV broadcast" accounted for 39.5% and "Live internet streaming" for 10.0%. The combined intention for live viewing was 49.5%. Approximately one in two people希望 live viewing, confirming a certain demand for real-time viewing. Age-based analysis showed a trend where older age groups had a higher intention for live TV viewing. Conversely, those in their 20s and 30s showed a higher intention for "Live internet streaming" compared to other age groups. MetLife will continue to contribute to the realization of a society where individuals can walk towards a more certain future by supporting positive feelings and confidence through opportunities that connect people, including sports. Survey Overview Target Audience: Respondents aged 20-69 Methodology: Internet survey Sample Size: 1,035 people Survey Period: May 15 (Fri) - May 17 (Sun), 2026 About MetLife Japan MetLife Japan, the first foreign-affiliated life insurance company in Japan, began operations in 1973. As the Japanese subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., a leading global insurance organization, we are committed to being by our customers' side and helping them choose the optimal protection. Through diverse sales channels, we strive to offer innovative products that address a wide range of risks for individual and corporate customers. www.metlife.co.jp