FIFA World Cup 2026, Netherlands vs Japan: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Head-to-Head And Prediction

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 16:00 IST

Netherlands and Japan kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign in Group F. Check out the predicted lineups, injury updates, head-to-head record and match prediction.

The Netherlands begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a tricky Group F clash against Japan at the AT&T Stadium on Sunday, knowing there is little margin for error in a group that also features Sweden and Tunisia.

While Ronald Koeman’s side enter the tournament as favourites on paper, injuries have disrupted preparations and could force several changes ahead of their opener. Japan, meanwhile, arrive in excellent form and will fancy their chances of springing an early surprise.

Team News

Netherlands

The Dutch have been hit hard by injuries in the build-up to the tournament. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen remains a major doubt after suffering a hip problem during the team’s final warm-up fixture. If he fails to recover in time, Mark Flekken is expected to start, with Robin Roefs also available.

Koeman is already without several key names. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber withdrew from the squad, while midfielder Jerdy Schouten, defender Matthijs de Ligt and attacking midfielder Xavi Simons have all been ruled out through injury.

Despite the setbacks, the Oranje still boast a strong core led by captain Virgil van Dijk, alongside midfield duo Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan

Japan’s preparations have also been affected by injuries. Captain Wataru Endo was forced to miss the tournament after failing to recover from a foot injury and subsequently announced his retirement from international football.

The Samurai Blue are also without star winger Kaoru Mitoma, placing greater creative responsibility on Takefusa Kubo, Junya Ito and Ayase Ueda. The trio combined for 33 goal involvements during qualifying and will be central to Japan’s attacking ambitions.

Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo could make history if he features, becoming the first Asian footballer to appear at five separate FIFA World Cups.

Predicted Starting XI

Netherlands (4-2-3-1)

Verbruggen (if fit); Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay.

Japan (3-4-2-1)

Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H. Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J. Ito, Kubo; Ueda.

Head-to-Head Record

The Netherlands remain unbeaten against Japan in three previous meetings, winning twice and drawing once.

The two sides famously met at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the Dutch secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Their most recent encounter came in a 2013 international friendly, which ended 2-2.

Prediction

History favours the Netherlands, who have not lost a World Cup opener since 1938. However, Japan’s recent rise on the global stage and their disciplined, high-energy style make them dangerous opponents.

With both sides missing important players and eager to avoid an opening defeat, this has all the ingredients of a closely fought contest.

Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 Japan

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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