The race for a spot in Japan’s U-17 World Cup final lineup is heating up, and Episode 3 of The Prince of Tennis II U-17 WORLD CUP: The Final Tryouts is set to deliver one of the most personal battles yet. Titled “Men Who Do Not Give Up” , the new episode puts two longtime Hyotei Academy teammates—Keigo Atobe and Masaharu Oshitari—on opposite sides of the court, each fighting for a place in the final against Spain.
Episode 3 Release Date and Time Worldwide
Episode 3 airs in Japan on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, on TV Tokyo at midnight JST (technically early Thursday morning). The episode also broadcasts on TV Osaka at 1:35 AM JST and TV Aichi at 1:30 AM JST.
For global viewers, Crunchyroll streams the episode shortly after the Japanese broadcast. The platform typically releases new episodes about one hour after the Japan airing.
Here is the expected Crunchyroll release schedule for Episode 3 across major regions:
- USA (Pacific Time): Wednesday, October 14 at 8:30 AM PDT
- USA (Eastern Time) / Canada: Wednesday, October 14 at 11:30 AM EDT
- UK / Portugal / Ghana: Wednesday, October 14 at 4:30 PM BST
- Central Europe / Spain / Italy / Poland / France / Germany: Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30 PM CEST
- India: Wednesday, October 14 at 9:00 PM IST
- Japan / South Korea: Thursday, October 15 at 12:30 AM JST/KST
- Australia (Eastern Time): Thursday, October 15 at 1:30 AM AEST
Times are based on Crunchyroll’s standard simulcast pattern and may vary slightly by region.
Where to Watch Episode 3
Crunchyroll holds the global streaming rights for the series. The platform offers the anime with English subtitles and has confirmed an English dub for the season. The show is available in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS countries, and the Indian subcontinent.
In Japan, the episode airs on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, and TV Aichi. Streaming in Japan is available on various local platforms one day after the TV broadcast.
What Happened in Episode 2
Episode 2, titled “The Final Tryouts Begin!” , kicked off the internal selection matches to decide who will represent Japan in the U-17 World Cup final against Spain.
Three matches got underway:
- Singles 1: Tokugawa vs. Sanada. Sanada aimed to complete his “Black Dragon Triple Slash” technique during the match.
- Singles 2: Fuji vs. Kirihara. Kirihara, having grown from his experiences in the Germany match, entered with strong determination, stating: “I will definitely play in the final!”
- Doubles 2: The pair of Marui and Kite faced off against Tanegashima and Shiraishi.
Atobe vs. Oshitari: The Moon and Sun Collide
Episode 3 shifts focus to a matchup between two players who have been the backbone of Hyotei Academy for years. Keigo Atobe and Masaharu Oshitari are often described as the “moon and sun” of their team—two contrasting personalities and playing styles that have supported Hyotei from opposite ends.
Now they stand across the net from each other, competing for the same goal: a spot in Japan’s final lineup.
The preview for the episode shows a telling exchange between the two. Oshitari remarks, “It’s about time the moon shined, isn’t it?” Atobe responds firmly: “The sun has not set yet.”
This match carries extra weight because both players know each other’s games intimately. Oshitari has long been a strategist who analyzes opponents and controls the pace of a match. Atobe, known for his overwhelming presence and his “insight” ability to read opponents’ movements, enters this match with the same confidence he has always carried.
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Irie’s Dominant Performance in Singles 3
Before the Atobe vs. Oshitari match takes center stage, Episode 3 opens with the conclusion of the Singles 3 (S3) match. Kanata Irie delivers an overwhelmingly strong performance, securing his victory and moving one step closer to the final roster.
Irie, a third-year high school student, is a character who has always kept his true abilities hidden. Known for treating matches like dramatic performances, his display of power in this selection tournament has left even his teammates wondering about the full extent of his skill.
Ryoma vs. Kiyosumi Sengoku in Singles 2
The episode also continues the Singles 2 (S2) matchup between Ryoma Echizen and Kiyosumi Sengoku.
Sengoku, a player known for his reliance on “luck” and his “Dunk Smash” technique, faces the series protagonist in a battle that will test both players’ growth. Ryoma has been steadily evolving throughout the U-17 World Cup arc, and this match serves as another proving ground for the young prodigy.
Marui and Kite’s Doubles 2 Challenge
In Doubles 2, Bunta Marui and Kite Eishiro continue their match against Tanegashima Shuuji and Shiraishi Kuranosuke. Preview materials indicate that Marui showcases a two-sword style in this match, adding a new dimension to the doubles contest.
Marui, known for his precise volleying and his “Wonder Castle” technique, pairs with Kite, a player who uses his long reach and analytical mind to cover the court. Together, they face a formidable duo in Tanegashima and Shiraishi, both of whom bring unique abilities to the court.
The Stakes of the Final Tryouts
The entire season focuses on the internal competition among Japan’s national team members. With Byodoin and Oni absent from the lineup due to injuries, the remaining players are fighting for the right to represent Japan in the final against Spain.
Victory in these matches means a place in the World Cup final. Defeat means watching from the sidelines. This high-stakes format has pushed every player to reveal new techniques and push past their previous limits.
Cast and Production Details
The series features returning voice actors including Junko Minagawa as Ryoma Echizen, Ryotaro Okiayu as Kunimitsu Tezuka, and Junichi Suwabe as Keigo Atobe.
The opening theme, “Walls And Bridges” , is performed by Aozu, a unit consisting of the voice actors for Ryoma, Tezuka, Oishi, and Fuji. The ending theme, “Kinkanshoku phenomenal” , is performed by Keigo Atobe and Yushi Oshitari.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on the U-17 World Cup final and the latest anime streaming schedules.
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