Netherlands meet Japan in Group F’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Netherlands come into this tournament looking to preserve their 100% record in getting past the group stage whenever they’ve qualified for the finals.
Japan meanwhile enter this tournament as one of the dark horses after escaping the group stage in each of the last two World Cups.
Team News
Bart Verbruggen is a doubt for Netherlands after he suffered a hip injury during their 2-1 friendly victory over Uzbekistan.
Frenkie de Jong (ankle) and Memphis Depay (hamstring) are unlikely to be risked
Japan will be without defender, Wataru Endo due to a foot injury which has forced him to withdraw from the squad.
Shuto Machino subsequently was called up as his replacement.
When is Kick-Off?
Netherlands face Japan at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, on Sunday 14 June at 3pm DST (9pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Netherlands won 1-0 in their only previous World Cup meeting against Japan in 2010.
- Japan are yet to beat Netherlands in all competitions (D1, L2).
- Netherlands are yet to keep a clean sheet in 2026 (W2, D1, L1).
- Japan have won their last three matches by 1-0 results (W3).
Prediction
With both teams capable of getting out of the group, this match already feels like a top-of-group decider because Netherlands have a strong squad but they are yet to keep a clean sheet this year, so a solid performance will be needed with some patience too.
Japan meanwhile have looked organised defensively coming into the tournament with a trio of 1-0 wins – which included their victory over favourites, England in March, with their notable rapid counter-attacking play which will have to be absolutely sharp to beat this Dutch team.
I however do think that both teams will somehow cancel each other out in what will be a tricky Group F opener.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 Japan
Result: Netherlands 2-2 Japan
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