Netherlands vs. Japan Lineups, Starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Match in Group C
Japan enters on a six-match winning streak, while the Netherlands has lost only once in friendly play since qualifying.
- The Netherlands face Japan on Sunday in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. ET.
- Ranked eighth globally, the Netherlands aim to break their 'Dutch curse' after three World Cup final losses, while Japan, ranked 18th, enters as a 'giant-killer' after defeating Spain and Germany four years ago.
- Head coach Ronald Koeman faces significant roster gaps, with defenders Jurrien Timber and Stefan de Vrij sidelined alongside midfielder Xavi Simons, forcing reliance on captain Virgil van Dijk's leadership.
- Japan faces equally daunting challenges after captain Wataru Endo retired from international duty this week; top striker Kaoru Mitoma sidelined by hamstring injury, the Samurai Blue must lean on Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda.
- Betting markets list the Netherlands as +100 favorites on the 90-minute line, though analyst Jon Eimer expects a tight contest, saying "the way Japan flows together is a thing of beauty" despite their injuries.
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42 Articles
Japan is catching up with the Netherlands a little bit surprisingly, with the Asians reaching for a curious tactic in the final phase.
The fans of the Netherlands became widely recognized in the worlds for mobilizing as a large orange block. Japan also has faithful and bustling followers.The Super Bowl is a great event, but nothing to do with the atmosphere of a world. Arriving in Holland (Netherlands) vs Japan #worldcup #globaldefutbol #globaldefutbol2026 pic.twitter.com/EsNgEpQnia— Raul Allegre (@RaulAllegre) June 14, 2026The last match of the Netherlands for a World Cup was …
They are not in the spotlight, nor at the forefront of the forecasts, but the Netherlands and Japan feel that they are facing a great opportunity and this Sunday, at the AT&T in Arlington they want to begin to uncover their possibilities, to run for the leadership of group F.
The journey of both the Netherlands and Japan in the 2026 World Cup begins today, when they meet at Dallas Stadium this evening in the first round of the group stage...
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