A new sequel anime, officially titled The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Kesshō Member Ketteisen, has been announced and is set to premiere in Fall 2026. The exciting news was revealed in a teaser video, sending anticipation soaring among fans of the long-running sports franchise. This new installment will focus on the intense playoff matches to determine Japan’s representative members for the finals against Spain in the U-17 World Cup.
The Next Chapter in the U-17 World Cup Saga
The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Kesshō Member Ketteisen (which translates to The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Finals Members Decisive Match) continues the high-stakes narrative established in previous seasons. The anime will delve into the rigorous selection process for the Japanese team, as players battle fiercely for a spot in the ultimate showdown against Spain. This directly follows The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Semifinal, which aired from October to December 2024 and depicted Japan’s dramatic match against Germany.
Journey to the U-17 World Cup Finals
The broader Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup storyline follows tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen. After being expelled from Japan’s elite U-17 training camp for violating rules, Ryoma gets a second chance by trying out for the U.S. team. He then navigates challenges against seasoned veterans and former friends in an international tournament, all while striving to lead his new team to victory. Crunchyroll has been streaming previous installments, including The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup (which premiered in July 2022) and its sequel The Prince of Tennis II: U-17 World Cup Semifinal, offering both subtitled and English-dubbed versions for fans to catch up.
The Enduring Legacy of The Prince of Tennis Franchise
The Prince of Tennis franchise, based on Takeshi Konomi’s popular manga, has captivated audiences for decades with its blend of intense sports action, character development, and dramatic storylines. The original manga ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1999 to 2008, with its sequel series, The Prince of Tennis II (Shin Tennis no Ōji-sama), serialized in Jump Square since 2009.
From Manga to Multimedia Phenomenon
The anime adaptation first began airing on TV Tokyo in October 2001, spanning 178 episodes. Since then, the franchise has expanded into a vast multimedia empire, including original video animations (OVAs), films, stage musicals, video games, numerous soundtracks, and other merchandise. The series is renowned for its dynamic tennis matches and a large cast of memorable characters, each with unique playing styles and personalities.
Production Details and Returning Talent
The anime production for recent installments has seen Yoshinobu Tokumoto directing at M.S.C, with Akiharu Ishii handling character designs and Mitsutaka Hirota overseeing series composition. Chihiro Tamaki has been responsible for the music. These key talents are expected to continue bringing the high-octane tennis action to life in the upcoming sequel.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Fall 2026 to witness the next thrilling chapter as Japan’s elite tennis players fight for their place in the U-17 World Cup Kesshō Member Ketteisen.
