NJPW G1 Climax Play-In Matches Made Official

The G1 Climax play-in matches.

The 2026 NJPW G1 Climax tournament is set to begin on July 11th. On the lead-up to the start of the tournament, there are going to be tournament play-in matches to fill the remaining four spots.

On June 23rd at the Road to G1 Climax show, the tournament play-in matches will be Yuto-Ice versus Taichi, along with YOSHI-HASHI versus NEVER Openweight Champion Aaron Wolf. NJPW wrote the following about the bouts:

“On June 23, Taichi, relegated to the play-ins after ending G1 Climax 35 at the bottom of his block, will attempt to qualify against a Yuto-Ice fighting to be in his first G1. Two spots in the G1 went to the IWGP Tag team Champions, but after Great-O-Khan and HENARE shocked the Knockout Bros. to capture the gold, Ice was left without an automatic path. Taichi, who had been hugely impressive in tag team victory earlier in the evening, challenged Ice to the play-in shot and the two will main event in Korakuen for a spot in A Block.

Also on the evening, new NEVER Openweight Champion Aaron Wolf will take on YOSHI-HASHI. As Taichi ended at the bottom of A Block last year, YOSHI-HASHI was at the bottom of B despite a fast start to the tournament. His play-in comes against the Olympic gold medalist who shot to success over Ren Narita to finally regain the NEVER gold. Now a shot to be the strongest of the summer from B Block is on the line.”

On July 6th, OSKAR will meet Yujiro Takahashi, and there will be a play-in match between El Phantasmo and Ryohei Oiwa. Below is NJPW’s write-up:

“On July 6, the other B Block play-in sees Ice’s tag partner OSKAR battling Yujiro Takahashi. This marks Yujiro’s third consecutive attempt to play into the G1, and the third time could be a dark charm if HOUSE OF TORTURE have their way. Yet a furious giant on the receiving end of a shock title defeat and then brutal post-match attack will be in no mood for H.O.T games.

Also on the night, joint bottom finishers in A and B Block last year, Ryohei Oiwa and El Phantasmo will go head to head. The style, strength and substance of Oiwa will face the fire and flash of ELP on the evening. After both suffered painful losses in Osaka Jo Hall, who can bounce back and start their summer campaign strong? Find out on the Road to G1 Climax 36!”

The opening show of the G1 Climax tournament will take place at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.