Blue Lock manga: where the story is in September 2026 (chapter 359, U-20 World Cup)
Updated on September 2, 2026. This article contains manga spoilers beyond the anime.
As of September 2, 2026, the Blue Lock manga is at chapter 359 and in the middle of the U-20 World Cup. Japan beat Nigeria 4-0, lost 4-2 to France, and is currently playing England: the score is 1-1 after Yukimiya's goal in chapter 358, and chapter 359 pits Isagi against Teddy Knight. The anime is three arcs behind: season 3 (October 9, 2026) adapts the Neo Egoist League, which starts at chapter 152.
Where is the Blue Lock manga compared to the anime?
The manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura runs weekly in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine and has passed 50 million copies. Here is how arcs, chapters and anime seasons line up.
| Arc | Chapters | Anime |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Lock selection (Ego, the 300 strikers) | 1 to 108 | Season 1 (24 episodes, 2022-2023) |
| Match against Japan U-20 | 109 to 151 | Season 2 (14 episodes, 2024) |
| Neo Egoist League (European clubs) | 152 to 302 | Season 3, from October 9, 2026 |
| U-20 World Cup | 303 to today (359) | Not adapted yet |
If you stopped after season 2 and want to read on, start at chapter 152.
What happened in the Neo Egoist League?
After the match against Japan U-20, the Blue Lock players are split between five simulated European clubs, each led by a master: Bastard München (Noel Noa, with Michael Kaiser), Manshine City (Chris Prince, with Nagi and Reo), FC Barcha (Lavinho, with Bachira), PXG (Julian Loki, with Rin and Shidou) and Übers (Marc Snuffy, with Barou). The goal is to be selected for the U-20 World Cup. This is the longest arc of the series, and the one season 3 will adapt. To follow each club with its kit, the collection of the five club jerseys is available from XS to XXL.
U-20 World Cup: Japan's results
| Match | Result | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Japan – Nigeria | Win 4-0 | Start of the arc, from 303 |
| France – Japan | Loss 4-2 | Group A |
| Japan – England | Ongoing, 1-1 | Up to 359 |
In Group A, France also beat England 2-1. Against England, head coach Fox pulled striker Agi after twenty minutes to bring on Lockhart, and chapter 359 ends with Isagi face to face with Teddy Knight, England's prodigy.
When does the next chapter come out?
Blue Lock is published weekly, on Wednesdays in Japan. Chapter 359 was released on September 1, 2026. To read recent chapters legally in English, Kodansha offers the K Manga app; the collected volumes are published by Kodansha USA.
Wear your team's jersey
The Japan U-20 jersey worn by Sae Itoshi and the Neo Egoist League club jerseys exist as anime-faithful versions at €29.99, customizable with your name and number for +€6. See the Japan U-20 jersey and Kaiser's Bastard München jersey, or read everything we know about season 3.
FAQ
What chapter is Blue Lock on?
Chapter 359, released on September 1, 2026, in the middle of the Japan vs England match of the U-20 World Cup.
Which chapters does season 3 adapt?
The Neo Egoist League, chapters 152 to 302. It starts on October 9, 2026 on Crunchyroll.
Is Japan out of the U-20 World Cup?
No. After a 4-0 win against Nigeria and a 4-2 loss to France, the match against England is ongoing.
Where to start the manga after the anime?
At chapter 152, right after the Japan U-20 match that closes season 2.
