The Netherlands and Japan will meet at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Sunday evening, as both nations begin their 2026 World Cup campaigns in Group F.

The Oranje arrive with big expectations under Ronald Koeman, while Japan enter the tournament as one of the most dangerous non-European sides and will look to make an immediate statement against one of the group favourites.

Verdict: Netherlands to win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet

Netherlands

The Netherlands enter the World Cup with pressure on their shoulders, as usual. They have reached three World Cup finals in their history, but they are still waiting for their first title, and this generation will feel that it has enough quality to make a deep run.

Ronald Koeman’s side came through qualifying strongly, and the squad has a good balance between defensive strength, midfield control and attacking quality. Virgil van Dijk remains the leader at the back, Frenkie de Jong is the heartbeat in midfield, while Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Xavi Simons give the Dutch several different ways to threaten in the final third.

The main question is whether the Netherlands can turn possession into enough clear chances against a Japan side that is usually very organised. Koeman will expect his team to control spells of the game, but Japan are good enough to punish slow ball circulation or loose passes through midfield.

This is a difficult opening match, and the Netherlands will know that a defeat here would immediately complicate the group. Sweden and Tunisia are also waiting in Group F, so starting with three points would give the Oranje a decisive advantage before the second round of fixtures.

Netherlands Team News

Memphis Depay is fit and available for the Group F opener, which is a major boost for Koeman. The forward remains one of the most important players in the Dutch attack, and he might be a key ingredient for destroying Japan’s compact defensive structure.

Bart Verbruggen had some issues, and there were reports that he is doubtful for the first match. Koeman has named Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs as the other goalkeeping options in the squad, and we will see if they’ll need to cover for him.

In defence, Virgil van Dijk should lead the back line, while Jan Paul van Hecke is expected to start alongside him after Jurrien Timber was ruled out through injury. Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake and Denzel Dumfries are also among the defensive options available to Koeman.

In midfield and attack, Frenkie de Jong should be central to the Dutch structure, while Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay give the Oranje enough quality to create chances even against a disciplined Japan side.

Japan

Japan arrives in Dallas with real confidence, even though they have had to deal with several important absences. Hajime Moriyasu’s team have grown into one of the most respected sides in international football, and this World Cup feels like another chance to break through the ceiling that has stopped them in the round of 16 four times.

The Samurai Blue have built their reputation on organization, technical security, and fast attacking transitions. They are comfortable without the ball, but they are no longer a team that only waits for mistakes. Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda and Junya Ito give Japan enough quality to play through pressure and attack quickly when space appears.

The absences of Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino are a serious blow. Endo’s leadership and ball-winning ability are difficult to replace, while Mitoma and Minamino would have given Japan more creativity and direct threat in attacking areas.

Even so, Japan should still be very competitive. They have enough structure and European-based experience to make this a difficult opener for the Dutch, and Koeman has already spoken about their offensive style and physicality. The challenge for Japan will be whether they can maintain that level for the full match against a deeper Netherlands squad.

Japan Team News

Hajime Moriyasu has left Wataru Endo out of the squad, with Ko Itakura named as Japan’s new captain. That decision changes the balance of the team, because Endo has been one of Japan’s most important midfield leaders for several years.

Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino are also unavailable for the tournament. Mitoma’s absence removes one of Japan’s most dangerous one-vs-one players, while Minamino will support the squad in a mentor role after suffering a serious knee injury.

Ko Itakura should be one of the key figures in defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu gives Japan another high-level option if selected. Japan will need their defensive unit to stay compact, especially when the Netherlands try to find Gakpo, Depay and Malen between the lines.

Further forward, Takefusa Kubo is likely to be central to Japan’s attacking plan. Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan, Junya Ito and Ayase Ueda are also important options, with Ueda giving Moriyasu a central forward who can stretch the Dutch defence and compete inside the box.

Netherlands vs Japan Key Factors to Consider

The Netherlands open their World Cup campaign against Japan in Group F, with Sweden and Tunisia also in the group.

Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen are fit and available.

Japan are without Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino, which removes leadership, creativity and attacking quality from Moriyasu’s squad.

The two nations previously met at the 2010 World Cup, when the Netherlands won 1-0 in the group stage.

Japan have enough technical quality and tactical discipline to make this a difficult opener, but the Netherlands have the stronger squad depth and more proven individual match-winners.

Conclusion

Japan are strong enough to make this uncomfortable for the Netherlands. Their structure, technical discipline and ability to attack quickly should keep them in the match, especially if Kubo and Kamada can find pockets of space between the Dutch midfield and defence.

However, the absences of Endo, Mitoma and Minamino are hard to ignore. Japan can still compete, but they are missing three players who would have been important in different phases of the game.

The Netherlands have more depth, more physical power and more individual quality in decisive areas. It may not be a comfortable opening match for Koeman’s side, but with Depay available, Van Dijk leading the defence and De Jong controlling midfield, the Oranje look slightly better placed to start Group F with a win.

Verdict: Netherlands to win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet