Japanese Set to Make First Appearance at 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship

Since the inaugural IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in 2015 — then known as the U-19 World Lacrosse Challenge — a number of unique, classic, and compelling teams have taken the floor. Nations and regions with deep lacrosse roots, emerging programs, and ambitious development goals have all used the championship as a proving ground.

Teams like Team Nordic (2015), Germany’s Deutschland Adler (2015), Czech Republic (2015–16), and Ireland (2016) helped define the tournament’s early years, bringing new styles, cultures, and identities to the box game.

Following those formative years, the championship lineup became more consistent, until Australia’s entry in 2019, a move that reshaped the competitive landscape and cemented Australia as a mainstay in the event. 

Now, in 2026, that evolution takes another major step forward. For the first time in International Indoor Junior Lacrosse history, a team representing Japan will compete at the World Junior Lacrosse Championship. 

Japan’s inaugural entry into the WJLC will be led by Travis Taylor through Lacrosse Nation, a veteran of international lacrosse with extensive experience across multiple national programs. Taylor’s résumé includes roles as Lacrosse Nation Box Lacrosse Academy Coach (Japan, 2025–26), Women’s Box Coach and Technical Advisor for Japan (2024), involvement with Japan’s men’s and women’s box programs, and Head Coach for Slovakia at the 2011 World Lacrosse Box Championships (formerly World Indoor Lacrosse Championship). 

"“It’s amazing to see the Japanese apply themselves to the box game. The hard work, dedication, and focus that they are well known for in field lacrosse is now coming through in the box game,” said Taylor.

“The growth of box lacrosse in Japan has been incredible — they already have a thriving senior league, a national team, and are now working toward developing their junior program.” Taylor added.

Japan’s decision to enter the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship represents more than a single tournament appearance. It signals a long-term commitment to the box lacrosse and a clear investment in player development at the junior level. 

“The exciting thing is that this country is already a world leader in field lacrosse and has now decided to turn their focus to developing their box lacrosse program.” 

The 2026 championship will also serve as a bridge between Japan’s domestic lacrosse community and players of Japanese descent competing abroad.

“Getting the experience of playing in the 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship will accelerate the growth of Japanese box lacrosse by bringing Japanese-descent players back into the system. If you are of Japanese descent and want a chance to play in the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, please contact us.” Players of Japanese-decent who would like to join domestic Japanese players and contribute to the growth of box lacrosse in Japan can express interest to participate through the IIJL website.

As the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship continues to expand its global reach, Japan’s entry marks a milestone moment — one that reflects the tournament’s original vision: to grow the box game internationally, create meaningful pathways for young players, and showcase the future of lacrosse on a truly global stage.

2026 won’t just be another year of competition, it will be history in the making.