2026 World Cup: Netherlands vs Japan: Group F (Jun 14)
The Netherlands kick-off their 2026 World Cup as they take on Japan.
The two nations are the top two teams in Group F, and both sides expect to be competing for the top spot.
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
| Netherlands | 10/9 |
| Japan | 8/3 |
| Draw | 11/4 |
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Head-to-Head
The Netherlands and Japan have played each other twice in the last 20 years.
The two teams last met in 2013, drawing 2-2 in a friendly.
In the 2010 World Cup, the Netherlands did meet Japan, beating them 1-0 thanks to Wesley Sneijder, in a year where the Dutch would go all the way to the final.
Key Stats
- The Netherlands has not lost an opening match at the World Cup in nine previous tournaments.
- Japan is unbeaten in their last seven games.
- The Netherlands have the third-highest win rate in World Cup history.
- Japan are unbeaten in their last seven fixtures.
Netherlands Team News
Ronald Koeman’s team will be without one player for this game.
Bart Verbruggen is struggling with a muscle injury and will likely miss out on the opener.
Possible Lineup
Mark Flekken (GK), Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Teun Koopmeiners, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, Donyel Malen
Japan Team News
Unlike their opponents, Japan has a clean bill of health heading into their opening World Cup match.
Possible Lineup
Zion Suzuki (GK), Ko Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Keito Nakamura, Ao Tanaka, Wataru Endu, Ritsu Doan, Junya Ito, Takefuso Kubo, Ayase Ueda
Netherlands vs Japan Picks
The flagship game of group F sees two teams that could be listed as dark horse face off in their first game.
The Netherlands qualified well but are missing some players that would have been in the squad if not for injury.
As for Japan, they are growing in every game and look to be a real force this year.
I’m taking Japan to steal this one by a single goal.
