Stadium: Dallas Stadium
Date: Sunday, June 14
Kick-off Time: 9 p.m. BST
Match Preview
With Japan established as one of Asias leading national teams, having qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1998, can the Netherlands start their Group F campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a victory tonight?
The Netherlands currently hold the unwanted record for the most FIFA World Cup final appearances without ever lifting the trophy. They have reached the final three times, only to fall at the last hurdle on each occasion.
Historically, the Dutch have been among the worlds most consistent contenders. Since 1974 they have reached at least the knockout stage in every world cup they have qualified for, including their most recent appearance in 2022.
Japan, meanwhile, made their world cup debut in 1998. Since then they have qualified for every tournament, making this their eighth consecutive world cup appearance.
Dispite several memorable compaigns Japan have never advanced beyond the 16th round. They suffered dramatic heartbreak in 2018 after loosing 3-2 to Belgium in extra time. While penalty shootout exits against Paraguay in 2010 and Croatia in 2022 have also denied them a place in the quater-finals.
Can Japan finally break through to the last eight, or will the Netherlands take the first step toward another deep world cup run?
Team News Netherlands
With late squad distruptions and fitness concerns, manager Ronald Koeman will ber relying on the strength of his defensive unit.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen returned to training on friday after suffering a hip injury during a pre tournament warm up match against Uzbekistan. He has since been declared fot to start.
However the dutch have suffered a major setback in defence , Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the world cup through injury. Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as his late replacement.
Team News Japan
Japan enter the tournament in excellent form following historic friendly victories over England and Brazil, many are tipping them to be the tournaments dark horses.
However they have suffered a major setback on the eve of kick-off. Midfield captin Wataru Endo has been forced to withdraw from the tournament and retire from international football due to a foot injury.
Ko Hakura has inherited the captains armband, while Shuto Machino has been called up as an emergency replacement in midfield.
Form
| Team | Latest Result | Form (Last 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 2-1 vs Uzbekistan | W L D W W |
| Japan | 1-0 vs Iceland | W W W W W |
Possible Line Ups
Netherlands (4-3-3)
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H. Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J. Ito, Kubo; Ueda
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
Netherlands Win | 11/10 (2.10) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/2 (3.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Japan Win | 13/5 (3.6) | 247Bet |
We Predict.....
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
With this clash expected to be highly tactical its going to be a close game. Netherlands have superb midfield and defence but Japan come into the tournament in top form and have proven this time and time again.