7 Sports Anime to Stream on Crunchyroll During the FIFA World Cup8 min read

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet. Every four years, billions of fans tune in to witness breathtaking goals, shocking upsets, and moments of pure magic that become part of football folklore. Whether you’re cheering for your home nation or simply enjoying the spectacle of world-class competition, the tournament reminds us why we love sports—the passion, the drama, and the unbreakable human spirit.

But between matches, during halftime, or after the final whistle blows, what do you watch? If you’re craving more of that competitive fire, sports anime on Crunchyroll offer the perfect solution. While not every series features football, each one captures the same intensity, emotion, and determination that make the World Cup so captivating.

Why Sports Anime Belong in Your World Cup Watchlist

At their core, all sports share universal themes. A basketball player fighting through exhaustion in the final quarter, a volleyball team defying expectations, or a figure skater chasing redemption after a devastating loss—these are the same stories we see on the football pitch. Every athlete, regardless of sport, faces pressure, injuries, rivalries, and the constant battle against self-doubt. Sports anime excel at translating these experiences into deeply personal, visually stunning narratives that resonate with anyone who has ever chased a dream.

Moreover, anime offers something live sports sometimes can’t: the chance to explore the psychology behind competition. What drives a player to sacrifice everything? How do teams overcome internal conflict to achieve greatness? These questions are answered in vivid detail across Crunchyroll’s extensive library, making sports anime a natural companion to your World Cup viewing.

The Best Sports Anime to Stream on Crunchyroll Right Now

Here are seven outstanding series that will keep your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing, whether you’re a football purist or a newcomer to anime.

BLUE LOCK – For Football Fans Who Love Psychological Thrillers

If you want an anime that directly tackles World Cup ambitions, look no further than Blue Lock. After Japan’s national team suffers yet another early exit on the global stage, the Japanese Football Association launches a radical experiment: gather 300 of the country’s best high school strikers and force them into a cutthroat survival competition. Only one player will emerge as the ultimate forward.

What makes Blue Lock so compelling is its unflinching examination of ego, ambition, and what it truly takes to become a world-class goalscorer. Unlike traditional sports stories that emphasize teamwork above all, Blue Lock argues that individual brilliance and selfish determination are just as vital. It’s a gripping, unpredictable ride that will change how you think about football.

Haikyu!! – The Ultimate Underdog Volleyball Story

Often regarded as one of the greatest sports anime ever created, Haikyu!! follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but explosively athletic teenager who dreams of becoming a volleyball legend like his idol, the “Little Giant.” After a humiliating defeat against the “King of the Court,” Tobio Kageyama, Hinata vows to surpass him. Fate, however, has other plans—they end up as teammates in high school.

What follows is a masterclass in character development, team dynamics, and the pure joy of competition. Haikyu!! is not just for volleyball fans; it’s for anyone who loves stories about hard work, friendship, and refusing to give up. The matches are so intense and well-animated that you’ll feel like you’re watching a live sporting event.

Shoot! Goal to the Future – A Grounded Football Redemption Arc

For viewers who want a more realistic football drama, Shoot! Goal to the Future delivers. Former national champion Atsushi Kamiya returns to his old high school as coach, only to find the team in shambles. One of its most talented players, Hideto Tsuji, has completely lost his passion for the sport. Can Kamiya reignite the fire in his players and restore the team’s former glory?

This anime explores themes of mentorship, burnout, and rediscovering one’s love for the game—issues that resonate with athletes and fans alike. It’s a quieter, more emotional take on football that complements the high-octane energy of the World Cup.

Kuroko’s Basketball – Strategic Rivalries and Superhuman Plays

Basketball may not be football, but Kuroko’s Basketball offers the same tactical brilliance and one-on-one showdowns that make the World Cup so thrilling. The series centers on Tetsuya Kuroko, a seemingly ordinary player whose “invisibility” on the court makes him a master of misdirection. Alongside his explosive partner Taiga Kagami, Kuroko takes on the “Generation of Miracles”—a group of former teammates who are now unbeatable opponents.

Every game is a chess match of feints, counters, and spectacular athleticism. If you enjoy the strategic battles of football—like a well-executed set piece or a perfectly timed tackle—Kuroko’s Basketball will keep you thoroughly entertained.

Eyeshield 21 – The Ultimate Zero-to-Hero Journey

American football might seem like a stretch for World Cup fans, but Eyeshield 21 is fundamentally a story about a bullied kid discovering his hidden talent. Sena Kobayakawa spent his childhood running errands for bullies, unknowingly developing incredible speed. When the captain of his school’s American football team recruits him, Sena must overcome his fears and embrace his potential.

This series is the definition of an underdog story—perfect for anyone who loves watching unheralded players rise to greatness, just like the surprise breakout stars of every World Cup tournament.

Yuri!!! on ICE – Emotional Depth and Second Chances

Figure skating might be far removed from football, but Yuri!!! on ICE offers the most profound exploration of pressure, failure, and redemption on this list. After a humiliating defeat at the Grand Prix Final, Japanese skater Yuri Katsuki returns home with shattered confidence and no motivation to continue. Then his idol, world champion Victor Nikiforov, unexpectedly shows up to coach him.

This anime captures the psychological toll of elite competition with stunning honesty. It’s a beautiful reminder that every athlete—whether on the pitch or on the ice—faces moments of doubt, and that true victory often comes from within.

MF GHOST – High-Octane Racing for Adrenaline Junkies

Set in a near-future Japan where self-driving electric cars dominate the roads, MF GHOST imagines a racing circuit where traditional gasoline-powered cars still compete at breakneck speeds on public highways. Protagonist Kanata Rivington returns from Britain to Japan to race in the MFG and search for his missing father.

With its pulse-pounding races and tactical overtakes, MF GHOST delivers the same winner-takes-all tension as a World Cup final. It’s a thrilling change of pace for fans who appreciate speed, precision, and high-stakes competition.

How to Make the Most of Your Sports Anime Marathon

To fully enjoy these series during the World Cup, consider setting aside time between matches for an episode or two. Many of these shows are available in both subtitled and dubbed versions on Crunchyroll, so you can choose your preferred viewing experience. Pair your watch sessions with snacks, jersey-wearing, and even friendly debates with fellow fans about which anime character would make the best footballer.

The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of athletic excellence, human determination, and the universal language of sport. Sports anime, in all their variety, share that same spirit. Whether it’s the ego-driven battles of Blue Lock, the heartfelt teamwork of Haikyu!!, or the emotional redemption of Yuri!!! on ICE, these stories remind us why we love competition—and why we’ll never stop cheering for the underdog.

So while you’re counting down to the next big match or recovering from an emotional victory, let Crunchyroll be your companion. With these seven incredible series, the thrill of the game never has to stop.

Start streaming today on Crunchyroll and discover your next favorite sports story.