Level-5 has confirmed that Inazuma Eleven: Cross (イナズマイレブン クロス) will begin its closed beta test in Japan on January 29, 2026, available on both iOS and Android. This marks the first time the franchise has officially entered the mobile space, expanding beyond its traditional console roots (come on Victory Road).
The beta will run for a limited period, giving selected players the chance to experience the game’s mechanics, visuals, and narrative direction before its full release later this year. Registration is currently restricted to Japanese players, with no word yet on international testing.
Development of Inazuma Eleven: Cross has been a long journey. Originally teased years ago under the working title Great Road of Heroes, the project faced multiple delays as Level-5 restructured its development pipeline. The game promises a blend of RPG storytelling and football simulation, where players recruit characters, train teams, and compete in matches infused with the franchise’s signature “special moves.”
Inazuma Eleven: Cross arrives at a time when sports RPGs are relatively rare in the mobile market. Personally, the appeal lies in its fusion of anime-style narrative and tactical football gameplay, which could resonate with both nostalgic fans and new audiences. However, sustaining engagement will require consistent updates and balanced monetization, as the mobile RPG space is highly competitive.
Comparisons to Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team or Haikyu Fly High are inevitable, but Cross appears to lean more heavily into RPG depth and character-driven storytelling, potentially giving it a unique edge.
Regionally, the closed beta is limited to Japan, with no confirmed global release date yet. Given the franchise’s international popularity, especially in Europe and Latin America, localization is highly likely, you can try to join the beta in the official website.
