The 2026 World Cup continues with a fascinating Group Stage clash as the Netherlands take on Japan in what could prove to be one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round.
Both nations arrive with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages, but they approach the tournament from very different positions.
The Netherlands are widely regarded as one of Europe’s strongest teams and will be expected to control proceedings against a disciplined Japanese side that has built a reputation for causing problems for football’s traditional powers.
For the Dutch, a positive start is crucial. In a competitive group where every point could matter, securing three points here would immediately strengthen their chances of finishing top of the table.
Their blend of attacking quality and tournament experience makes them favourites on paper, but World Cups rarely follow the script.
Japan, meanwhile, will relish the underdog tag. They have consistently exceeded expectations on the global stage in recent years and possess the organisation, work rate and tactical discipline needed to frustrate even the best teams.
If Japan can produce another famous World Cup performance, they could take a huge step towards the knockout rounds.
However, the Netherlands will be determined to avoid any early surprises and prove our Group F preview prediction to be true.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan
Netherlands vs Japan kicks off at 21:00 BST on Sunday, June 14, at the Dallas Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo and streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS, with select matches also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Netherlands team news
The Netherlands are expected to rely on the quality of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo as they prepare for their opening World Cup clash against Japan.
Van Dijk remains the leader at the heart of the defence. His experience and composure will be vital against a Japanese side known for its quick transitions and intelligent movement.
In midfield, De Jong is expected to dictate the tempo. The Barcelona star remains one of the Netherlands’ most important players and will be tasked with controlling possession throughout the match.
Further forward, Gakpo is likely to provide the main goal threat. The Liverpool attacker has a strong record in major tournaments and will look to make an immediate impact in the 2026 World Cup.
The Dutch squad enters the tournament in good shape, although manager Ronald Koeman will continue to monitor the fitness of several players following a demanding club season.
If the Netherlands perform to their potential, they have the quality to start their World Cup campaign with three points.
Netherlands expected XI:
Verbruggen – Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven – Reijnders, De Jong, Gravenberch – Malen, Summerville, Gakpo.
Japan team news
Japan are likely to build around Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo as they prepare for a difficult opening test against the Netherlands.
Mitoma remains Japan’s most dangerous attacking weapon. His pace and dribbling ability can cause problems for any defence, especially in one-on-one situations.
Kubo will provide creativity in the final third. The Real Sociedad star has become one of the team’s key playmakers and will be crucial if Japan are to create chances against the Dutch defence.
Meanwhile, Endo brings leadership and defensive stability in midfield. His work off the ball could prove essential in helping Japan stay competitive throughout the contest.
Japan arrive at the tournament with confidence after several impressive performances in recent years. They have shown they can compete with elite nations and will believe they are capable of producing another upset on the biggest stage.
If they remain organised and take their chances when they come, Japan could make life very uncomfortable for the Netherlands.
Japan expected XI:
Suzuki – Sugawara, Itakura, Tomiyasu, Ito – Endo, Tanaka – Doan, Kubo, Ito – Ueda.
Netherlands vs Japan stats
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in their previous meetings with Japan.
- Their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 victory for the Dutch in an international friendly.
- The Netherlands have reached the World Cup final on three occasions but are still searching for their first title.
- Japan have progressed from the group stage in four of their last five World Cup appearances.
- The Dutch have lost just one of their last 10 World Cup group-stage matches.
- Japan have qualified for every World Cup since 1998, highlighting their consistency on the international stage.
- Both teams have reached the knockout stages in each of their last two World Cup appearances.
Netherlands vs Japan prediction
The Netherlands will view this match as a huge opportunity to make an early statement at the 2026 World Cup. On paper, they have more quality, more experience at the highest level and more players capable of changing a game in an instant.
That does not mean Japan should be underestimated. Far from it.
Japan have earned a reputation for frustrating elite nations and have produced some of the biggest shocks in recent World Cup history. Their organisation, discipline and work rate make them a dangerous opponent for any team.
However, this feels like a difficult opening fixture for the Samurai Blue.
The Netherlands have quality all over the pitch. Virgil van Dijk brings leadership at the back, Frenkie de Jong controls games in midfield and Cody Gakpo has the ability to deliver in big moments. When the Dutch are playing with confidence, they are extremely difficult to stop.
Japan will likely spend long periods without the ball and will look to hurt the Netherlands on the counter-attack. Players such as Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo certainly have the quality to create problems, but they may not see enough of the ball to make a decisive impact.
My feeling is that the Dutch will eventually wear Japan down. The gap between these sides is not enormous, but the Netherlands possess more match-winners and should have enough quality to get the job done.
A comfortable Dutch victory would immediately put them in control of the group and send a strong message to their rivals. Japan are unlikely to roll over, but I expect the Netherlands to start their World Cup campaign with an important three points.
Prediction: Netherlands 3-1 Japan
