The Netherlands enter the tournament as one of football’s traditional powerhouses, appearing at the World Cup for the 12th time. Despite reaching three finals in their history, the Dutch are still searching for their first world title. Ronald Koeman’s side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and remain unbeaten in World Cup group-stage matches since 1994, but recent performances have been slightly unconvincing.
Japan, meanwhile, continue to establish themselves as Asia’s leading force. The Samurai Blue qualified comfortably for the World Cup, scoring 54 goals during qualifying and conceding only three. Hajime Moriyasu’s men arrive in excellent form after winning six consecutive matches, including victories over England and Brazil, and will believe they can challenge one of Europe’s elite sides.
Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Sunday, 14 June 2026
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas, USA
Group: Group F
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: With Sweden and Tunisia also in Group F, both teams will view this as a crucial opening fixture. Victory would provide a major boost towards securing one of the top two qualification spots and progressing to the Round of 16.
Form Guide
Netherlands
✅ Win vs Uzbekistan (2-1)
❌ Loss vs Algeria (0-1)
➖ Draw vs Ecuador (1-1)
✅ Win vs Norway (2-1)
✅ Win vs Lithuania (4-0)
Japan
✅ Win vs Iceland (1-0)
✅ Win vs England (1-0)
✅ Win vs Scotland (1-0)
✅ Win vs Bolivia (3-0)
✅ Win vs Ghana (2-0)
Head-to-Head
In the last three meetings, the Netherlands have won two while one match ended in a draw. Japan are still searching for their first victory over the Dutch.
➖ Japan 2-2 Netherlands (2013 Friendly)
✅ Netherlands 1-0 Japan (2010 World Cup)
✅ Netherlands 3-0 Japan (2009 Friendly)
Team News
Netherlands
❌ Bart Verbruggen – Goalkeeper (hip injury, doubtful)
❌ Jurrien Timber – Defender (groin injury, withdrew from squad)
❌ Jerdy Schouten – Midfielder (ACL injury)
❌ Matthijs de Ligt – Defender (injury)
❌ Xavi Simons – Midfielder (injury)
🟢 Memphis Depay available after recovering from a thigh problem.
Japan
❌ Wataru Endo – Midfielder (foot injury, unavailable)
❌ Kaoru Mitoma – Winger (injury, omitted from squad)
🟡 Maya Yoshida – Defender (fitness concern after recent injury scare)
🟢 Yuto Nagatomo available and could make his fifth World Cup appearance.
Player to Watch: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Gakpo enters the World Cup as one of the Netherlands’ biggest attacking threats after scoring both goals in their final warm-up match against Uzbekistan.
With Depay still regaining full fitness and several key creative players unavailable, Gakpo’s pace, movement and finishing ability could be crucial in helping the Dutch break down Japan’s well-organised defence.
Player to Watch: Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
Kubo will be central to Japan’s attacking hopes against the Netherlands. The talented playmaker has impressed throughout qualifying and recent friendlies with his dribbling, creativity and vision. With Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo unavailable, Japan will look to Kubo to create chances and inspire a positive result in their World Cup opener.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Under 3.5 Goals
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score – Yes
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Draw 1-1
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score
• Meshack Kisenge- Netherlands Win
• Kevin Teya- Netherlands Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Over 2.5
• Brian Odhiambo- Netherlands 1-0 Japan
• Victor Karuga- Netherlands Win
• Josh Angatia- Netherlands Win
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