Preview: Netherlands vs Japan – latest news, line-ups, absences (14/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the 2026 World Cup
Two of the strongest sides in Group F meet at the AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium) on Sunday at 21:00 BST as the Netherlands take on Japan in what could prove to be one of the most important opening matches of the 2026 World Cup given the nature of a tricky group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
All four teams will have hopes of reaching the knockout stages, but qualifying as group winners could be the key to an easier tie in the next round.
The Netherlands arrive as slight favourites and are targeting a deep run after reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago. Japan, meanwhile, are looking to build on successive impressive World Cup campaigns and finally break through to the latter stages of the tournament after famous victories over Germany and Spain in 2022. Readers can find more World Cup 2026 betting coverage, team news and tournament analysis throughout the competition.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
The Netherlands suffered a concerning 1-0 friendly defeat to Algeria earlier this month, prompting head coach Ronald Koeman to describe the performance as a “wake-up call” ahead of the tournament. However, the Dutch remain one of Europe’s strongest sides and that defeat remains their only loss (excluding penalties) since October 2024.
Japan come into the tournament with confidence after a strong qualifying campaign and several notable results against elite opposition over the past year. Hajime Moriyasu‘s side have developed a reputation for troubling the world’s top teams and will believe they can do so again in Dallas.
Netherlands
The biggest blow for Koeman is the loss of defender Jurrien Timber, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a groin injury. Lutsharel Geertruida has been called into the squad as cover. Questions also remain over the fitness and form of several key players, including Memphis Depay and, most notably, Bart Verbruggen.
The Brighton goalkeeper was taken off with an injury complaint during the Oranje’s win over Uzbekistan. Koeman is hopeful his no.1 will be available but he remains the main doubt for the Dutch.
Japan
Moriyasu has named a squad packed with players from Europe’s top leagues and has no noted injury concerns. Celtic’s Daizen Maeda has been an unused sub in Japan’s last two friendlies, but Moriyasu may be tempted to play him on the left over Keito Nakamura of Reims, especially given his form towards the end of the season.
Teams H2H: head-to-head stats
These sides have met only once previously at a World Cup. The Netherlands emerged victorious in a group-stage meeting in South Africa in 2010, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Wesley Sneijder. Sunday’s match will be the first meeting between the nations since 2013.
Previous meetings:
- 16/11/2013: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (International friendly)
- 19/06/2010: Netherlands 1-0 Japan (FIFA World Cup)
Predicted line-ups
The big questions for the Dutch surround the fitness of Verbruggen and Depay. For Japan there are a few question marks, given the competition in their squad, and several players, including Keito Nakamura and Maeda, can operate in multiple positions, giving them flexibility.
Tactical analysis: can Japan be the giant-killers again?
Japan have become one of the most tactically versatile teams in international football. They are comfortable pressing high but equally willing to sit deep and frustrate opponents before launching rapid counter-attacks. That approach proved successful against both Germany and Spain in Qatar.
The Netherlands will likely dominate possession through Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders, but Koeman’s side must be wary of Japan’s pace in transition. The absence of Timber reduces Dutch defensive depth, and Japan will fancy their chances of creating opportunities if they can win the ball in midfield and release Takefusa Kubo quickly. The astonishing pace of the tireless Maeda coming off the bench against weary legs could be a useful weapon.
Key players to watch
The players likely to have the biggest influence on this match are Cody Gakpo for the Netherlands and Takefusa Kubo for Japan.
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Gakpo has become one of the Netherlands’ most reliable attacking outlets and is expected to carry a significant creative burden. His ability to drift inside from wide areas and produce moments of quality could be crucial in breaking down Japan’s disciplined defence.
Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
Japan’s attacking hopes will largely rest on Kubo’s shoulders. The Real Sociedad winger combines technical quality with intelligent movement and will look to make a nuisance of himself, dropping into pockets of space.
Where to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the UK and Ireland
Netherlands vs Japan kicks off at 21:00 BST on Sunday, 14 June 2026 in Dallas. FIFA lists the local kick-off time as 15:00.
In the United Kingdom, the match is scheduled to be shown live on ITV1, or STV in Scotland, with streaming options available via ITVX and the STV Player.
Fans in the Republic of Ireland can find World Cup coverage on RTÉ.
Market insights and probability predictions
The Netherlands head into this Group F clash as favourites, with current markets giving Ronald Koeman’s side a 55% chance of victory. Japan are rated at 22%, while the draw is assigned a 23% probability, underlining expectations of a competitive encounter between two sides with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
Goals are expected, with markets suggesting a 57% chance of over 2.5 goals and a 55% probability of both teams scoring. A 2-1 Netherlands win is among the more popular correct score selections, while Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay are expected to attract significant interest in the goalscorer markets.
The latest World Cup 2026 odds and betting markets continue to favour the Dutch side, although Japan are widely viewed as one of the most dangerous non-seeded teams in the tournament.
