Netherlands vs Japan is the standout opener in Group F, which also includes Sweden and Tunisia. Ronald Koeman’s side are favourites to top the section, but Japan have become one of the most reliable and tactically flexible teams in world football. This is not a routine favourite-versus-underdog fixture.
The match takes place at AT&T Stadium, also listed as Dallas Stadium, on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Kick-off is 15:00 local time in Dallas, 16:00 Eastern Time, 13:00 Pacific Time and 21:00 in the United Kingdom.
Netherlands vs Japan match information
| Match | Netherlands vs Japan |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Group | Group F |
| Date | Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT / 21:00 BST |
| Venue | AT&T Stadium / Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas |
| TV / streaming worldwide | USA: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo · UK: ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player · India: ZEE5 · Australia: SBS, SBS On Demand · Canada: CTV, TSN, RDS · Netherlands: NOS/NPO · MENA: beIN SPORTS |
| Group opponents | Sweden, Tunisia |
Netherlands vs Japan odds
The Netherlands are favourites, but the odds suggest a much closer match than many casual fans might expect. The odds below are shown in decimal format and can change before kick-off.
1X2 - full-time result
Total goals
Both teams to score
Value markets
Odds are informative only. Always check current prices, market rules and local betting regulations before placing a bet.
Best betting tips for Netherlands vs Japan
The Netherlands have quality through Depay, Gakpo, Reijnders and Xavi Simons, but Japan are technically sharp and dangerous in transition. With both teams capable of progressing the ball quickly, BTTS Yes looks like the strongest market.
The Dutch have the stronger defensive core and more individual match-winners, especially through Van Dijk, De Jong and Gakpo. It is not a banker, but Oranje are still the most likely winners.
Japan have repeatedly shown they can compete with elite opponents. If you want to oppose the favourite, Japan avoiding defeat is the clearest value angle in a match that could be closer than the market headline suggests.
This scoreline fits the balance of the game: Dutch quality just enough to win, but Japan creating enough pressure and movement to score.
Key stats before the match
Netherlands
- The Netherlands are favourites to top Group F.
- Ronald Koeman has a squad built around Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
- The Dutch reached the World Cup final three times but have never won the tournament.
- Netherlands beat Japan 1-0 in their only World Cup meeting, in 2010.
- Bart Verbruggen has been dealing with an injury issue ahead of the opener.
- Memphis Depay is working back toward full fitness after limited minutes in recent months.
Japan
- Japan are playing at an eighth consecutive World Cup.
- They reached the last 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022.
- Captain Wataru Endo retired from international football before the tournament because of a persistent foot problem.
- Shuto Machino was called into the squad after Endo’s retirement.
- Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano are among the midfield options for Hajime Moriyasu.
- Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda give Japan technical quality and pressing threat in attack.
Match preview
This match may be decided less by pure possession and more by how each team handles pressing triggers. The Netherlands will want to control the tempo through De Jong and build attacks with Van Dijk and Aké stepping forward, while Japan will try to disrupt rhythm, force turnovers and attack quickly through Kubo, Doan and their wide runners.
Koeman’s biggest advantage is individual quality in both boxes. The Dutch have a powerful centre-back group, technical midfield options and multiple forwards who can decide a game with one moment. If Depay is sharp enough to start, his movement between the lines can help create space for Gakpo and Xavi Simons.
Japan’s biggest challenge is replacing Endo’s leadership and defensive balance. Moriyasu has options, but the midfield structure must be right against a Dutch side that can punish spaces between the lines. Still, Japan’s technical discipline and collective pressing make them a genuine threat, especially if the game becomes stretched.
Team news and predicted lineups
Reuters reported that Wataru Endo’s retirement has forced Japan into a midfield rethink, with Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka all relevant options. The Dutch also have fitness questions around Bart Verbruggen and Memphis Depay, although Depay remains one of Koeman’s most important attacking players.
Netherlands predicted XI
- Bart Verbruggen
- Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven
- Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch
- Jeremie Frimpong, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo
- Memphis Depay
Japan predicted XI
- Zion Suzuki
- Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ko Itakura, Koki Machida
- Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura
- Takefusa Kubo, Junya Ito
- Ayase Ueda
Head-to-head record
The Netherlands have the edge in this matchup. Their most important meeting came at the 2010 World Cup, when the Dutch won 1-0. The teams also drew 2-2 in a 2013 friendly, which remains their most recent meeting.
Where to watch Netherlands vs Japan worldwide
In the United States, the match is listed through FOX Sports platforms, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo and Universo. In the United Kingdom, ESPN’s viewing guide lists ITV1 for this game, with streaming through ITVX and related platforms. In India, ZEE5 is listed for coverage, while Australian viewers can follow the tournament on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Other major World Cup broadcasters include CTV, TSN and RDS in Canada, NOS/NPO in the Netherlands and beIN SPORTS across the Middle East and North Africa. Channel allocation can vary by market and platform, so viewers should check local listings before kick-off.
Recommended bonus offers before the match
The offers below can be used around World Cup matches. Bonus values are displayed in rounded EUR/USD format, but always check the latest terms, currency settings and wagering rules before registering.
Final prediction
Japan have the structure and pace to cause real problems, especially if the Netherlands leave space in transition. However, the Dutch have slightly more decisive quality in both boxes and enough experience to handle a difficult opener. The best betting angle is BTTS Yes, with a narrow Netherlands win as the main score prediction.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Japan.
