The Netherlands and Japan kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a fascinating Group F showdown at Dallas Stadium on Sunday, as both nations target a winning start in a section that also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
With qualification for the knockout stage the immediate objective, this clash could prove crucial in determining the group’s final standings.
Match Preview
The Netherlands arrive at the tournament hoping to finally end their long wait for World Cup glory. Despite being one of international football’s traditional powerhouses, the Dutch have never lifted the famous trophy, finishing runners-up on three occasions in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Now under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, Oranje are making their 12th World Cup appearance and will be confident of progressing from the group stage, having remained unbeaten in World Cup group matches since 1994.
However, preparations have been far from perfect. The Dutch suffered a surprise defeat to Algeria in their final public warm-up match before edging past World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in a closed-door friendly. Koeman will be hoping his side can quickly find their rhythm when the tournament begins.
Japan, meanwhile, head into the competition carrying significant momentum. The Asian giants are appearing at their eighth consecutive World Cup and have developed into one of the most consistent teams on the international stage.
Hajime Moriyasu’s men cruised through qualification, scoring freely while boasting one of the strongest defensive records in Asia. Their recent form has been equally impressive, with six consecutive victories, including notable wins against Brazil and England.
The Samurai Blue famously defeated Spain and Germany at the 2022 World Cup before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the Round of 16. They now believe they have the quality to make an even deeper run in 2026.
While Japan lost 1-0 to the Netherlands in their only previous World Cup meeting in 2010, they will fancy their chances of causing problems for a Dutch side still searching for consistency.
Team News
The Netherlands have concerns over first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who picked up a hip injury in the team’s final warm-up match. If he fails to recover in time, Mark Flekken is expected to start between the posts.
Koeman is already without several important players, including Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten and creative midfielder Xavi Simons.
In attack, all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay is expected to spearhead the Dutch frontline, although Roma forward Donyell Malen is pushing strongly for a starting role after an impressive season.
Japan will be without experienced captain Wataru Endo, who retired from international football after failing to recover from injury. Dynamic winger Kaoru Mitoma is also unavailable.
The attacking burden is expected to fall on Takefusa Kubo, Junya Ito and Ayase Ueda, who were instrumental during the qualification campaign. Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo could also make history by becoming the first Asian player to feature at five World Cups.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Japan:
Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J Ito, Kubo; Ueda
Prediction
This promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round. The Netherlands possess greater experience on the World Cup stage, but Japan’s pace, organisation and attacking quality make them a dangerous opponent.
The Dutch should create chances through the likes of Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, while Japan have enough firepower to punish any defensive lapses.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Japan’s impressive form suggests they can earn a valuable point against one of Europe’s strongest sides in what could be a thrilling Group F encounter.
