The Netherlands and Japan will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns on Sunday in Dallas, with both nations eyeing an important victory in a competitive Group F that also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
Reaching the knockout stages will be the immediate objective for the Dutch, and history suggests they are well-equipped to do so. Oranje are unbeaten in 16 consecutive World Cup group-stage matches dating back to 1994. Interestingly, that tournament in the United States featured current head coach Ronald Koeman as captain, and he now returns to North America hoping to guide his country on another deep run at football’s biggest event.
The Dutch Football Association’s official social media channels have been building excitement ahead of the clash, promoting the match with the hashtags #NEDJPN and #NothingLikeOranje as supporters prepare for the team’s World Cup opener in Dallas.
Despite their impressive World Cup pedigree, the Netherlands arrive at the tournament with some concerns. Their qualification campaign was far from convincing, and recent preparations have been mixed. A surprise defeat to Algeria ended a 10-match unbeaten run before a behind-closed-doors encounter with World Cup debutants Uzbekistan required two Cody Gakpo penalties, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure victory.
Japan, meanwhile, enter the tournament in outstanding form and with growing confidence that they can finally surpass the round of 16 for the first time in their history. The Samurai Blue have won six consecutive friendly matches, including impressive victories over Brazil and England, as well as a commanding 5-0 demolition of South Korea.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side were among the standout performers during qualification, becoming the first team outside the host nations to secure their World Cup place. Japan scored a remarkable 54 goals during AFC qualifying while conceding only three, highlighting both their attacking quality and defensive discipline.
Their confidence is further boosted by memories of the 2022 World Cup, where they stunned both Germany and Spain before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in the Round of 16.
The official Japan Football Association account has also been actively promoting the tournament, unveiling the Samurai Blue’s full group-stage schedule against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden while encouraging supporters to follow behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the competition.
Sunday’s meeting will be only the second World Cup encounter between the two nations, with the Netherlands claiming a narrow 1-0 victory when they met in South Africa in 2010.
Team News
The Netherlands face uncertainty over first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who picked up a hip injury during the team’s final World Cup warm-up match. Mark Flekken is on standby should Verbruggen fail to recover in time.
Koeman is already without several key players, including Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten and creative midfielder Xavi Simons. In attack, veteran striker Memphis Depay is competing with in-form Roma forward Donyell Malen for a starting role.
Japan will be without influential captain Wataru Endo after the midfielder announced his retirement from international football due to a foot injury. The Samurai Blue are also missing winger Kaoru Mitoma, placing greater responsibility on Take Kubo, Junya Ito and striker Ayase Ueda, who were instrumental during qualification.
Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo could make history if he features, becoming the first Asian player to appear at five FIFA World Cups.
Possible Lineups
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Japan possible starting lineup:
Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H. Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J. Ito, Kubo; Ueda
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 21:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Netherlands 2-1 Japan.
The Netherlands possess greater tournament experience, a strong World Cup pedigree, and an impressive record of 16 unbeaten group-stage matches stretching back to 1994. However, Ronald Koeman’s side have not looked entirely convincing in recent weeks, suffering a defeat to Algeria and needing two Cody Gakpo penalties to edge past Uzbekistan in a warm-up fixture.
Japan, arrive in excellent form. The Samurai Blue have won six consecutive friendlies, including notable victories over Brazil and England, while their qualification campaign showcased both attacking firepower and defensive solidity. Their ability to trouble elite opposition was already evident at the 2022 World Cup when they defeated Germany and Spain.
While Japan are capable of causing problems, the Netherlands’ experience, quality in key areas and ability to manage major tournament occasions could prove decisive.
