Japan’s first match in the U-20 World Cup against Nigeria has begun.
The latest chapter of Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s Blue Lock manga took the hype to the next level! Not only were the starting 11 members of Japan’s U-20 World Cup team introduced, we also saw a glimpse of the Nigerian team they’ll be playing against. On the other hand, Nagi finally accepted Buratsuta’s offer as he finally found his own Ego. As the first match of the World Cup begins, emotions and stakes run high.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Blue Lock Chapter 312 recap
The issue begins with Isagi getting ready for the first match of the U-20 World Cup against Nigeria. He vows to become the tool that will make Japan the world’s best. The announcer begins to introduce the Japanese players, and first off is the goalkeeper Gin Gagamaru. After that comes the three centerbacks- Captain Oliver Aiku, Jyubei Aryu, and Ikki Niko.
In the next panel, we see Nagi purchasing a ticket to the game and entering the stadium. He realises that he’s no longer a part of Blue Lock after betraying his philosophy of relying on his own goals and being kicked out. In the next panel, the two fullbacks Hyoma Chigiri and Yo Hiori are introduced. Right after, we see Nagi determinedly running through the security personnel of the stadium as he decides to go ahead and grab a new opportunity. He is looking for the ‘heat’ he felt in Blue Lock. The security guards run after him, but are unable to capture him.
Next, the defensive midfielders Tabito Karasu and Reo Mikage are introduced. Nagi thinks that although Reo was the one to bring him to Blue Lock, the thought about only staying with Reo wasn’t enough to get him fired up. The next player to be introduced as a midfielder is Meguru Bachira. Nagi decides that he won’t play football to stay by Reo’s side anymore. The first forward of the Japanese team is introduced, and it’s the beast Rin Itoshi. Nagi realises that he doesn’t want to go back to fight Isagi either as he finally reaches the place where Buratsuta is.
The final forward of the team Yoichi Isagi makes his entrance. Nagi finally grasps the true nature of his Ego that’s screaming at him to become the center of the world. He’s chasing after the godlike thrill of the game. He asks Buratsuta if the offer to let him compete for the Buratsuta three is still open. He doesn’t care if he has to crush Blue Lock to achieve his dream and tells Buratsuta that he wants to become the world’s best. The Chairman only smiles evilly. The next panel kicks off the Japan vs. Nigeria match as the Nigerian players come out. Isagi is determined to get to the world’s top.
Blue Lock Chapter 312 review
The first match of the U-20 World Cup is starting in the next chapter! A new arc is already here, which is hard to believe since the Neo Egoist League drama just ended a few chapters ago. I’m excited to see Isagi, Rin, and the others play on the same team again. The two egotistical forwards are sure to butt heads in the match, but hopefully, things will work out.
I’m surprised that Shidou and Barou aren’t a part of the starting lineup. But as of now, I’m choosing to trust Ego Jinpachi’s judgement. On the other hand, Nagi has finally unlocked his Ego and is raring to go. Hopefully things will work out better for him this time around.
Blue Lock Chapter 313 release date
The next chapter of the popular football manga will be published on Tuesday, 29 July, 2025. Fans can read all chapters of the series on Kodansha’s KManga website and app.
