Netherlands vs Japan Lineups, Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

Netherlands vs Japan Match Summary

Competition	World Cup 2026
Match Date	Sunday 14 June 2026
Match Time	21:00 BST
Venue (City, Stadium)	Arlington, Dallas Stadium
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming)	ITV 1, RTE 2

The Netherlands and Japan go head-to-head in their Group F opener at the 2026 World Cup, with both sides harbouring genuine ambitions of a deep run in the tournament.

The Dutch qualified unbeaten from their UEFA group, winning six and drawing two, and they remain a side packed with Premier League quality across the pitch.

Japan were the first non-host nation to book their World Cup spot, and they arrive on the back of six consecutive wins including scalps over Brazil and England.

The Netherlands are unbeaten in three previous meetings with Japan (W2 D1), and the only tournament clash between the two ended 1-0 to the Dutch at the 2010 World Cup.

Netherlands vs Japan Form

The Netherlands won seven of their last ten outings, scoring 27 goals in eight qualification fixtures alone. Cody Gakpo netted both goals via penalties in a warm-up win over Uzbekistan, and he will be a key creative threat alongside Memphis Depay.

Japan have been in ruthless form, winning seven of their last ten matches and racking up 54 goals across AFC qualifying. Ayase Ueda, who scored 25 goals for Feyenoord this season, led the line with eight qualifying strikes and arrives in confident mood.

Netherlands vs Japan Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Netherlands: B. Verbruggen (Injured/doubtful)

Japan: W. Endo (Injured/out)

Netherlands

The Dutch are sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who picked up a hip injury during the warm-up fixture against Uzbekistan and is rated doubtful. Memphis Depay is set to lead the line at his third World Cup despite playing his club football in Brazil.

Japan

Japan will be without midfielder Wataru Endo, who has not only withdrawn from the squad but retired from international football due to a foot issue. Ao Tanaka is expected to deputise in the engine room.

Netherlands vs Japan Predicted Lineup

Netherlands

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: B. Verbruggen; M. van de Ven, V. van Dijk, J. P. van Hecke, D. Dumfries; R. Gravenberch, F. de Jong; C. Gakpo, T. Reijnders, D. Malen; M. Depay

Japan

Formation: 3-4-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: Z. Suzuki; S. Taniguchi, T. Watanabe, H. Ito; K. Nakamura, K. Sano, A. Tanaka, R. Doan; D. Kamada, A. Ueda, T. Kubo

Netherlands vs Japan Key Stats & Match Facts

• The Netherlands are unbeaten in all three previous meetings with Japan, winning two and drawing one.
• The Dutch have won seven of their last ten internationals, while Japan have won seven of their last ten.
• Netherlands scored 27 goals in eight UEFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, averaging over three goals per match.
• Japan kept three consecutive clean sheets in their 2026 friendly programme, beating England, Scotland and Iceland each by 1-0.
• Japan's leading qualifier Ayase Ueda plays his club football in the Netherlands with Feyenoord, adding a fascinating domestic subplot.

Netherlands vs Japan Prediction & Best Bets

The Dutch possess real quality across the pitch and their attacking depth, with Depay and Gakpo leading the charge, looks a level above Japan's defensive options. We expect the Netherlands to take control after a competitive first half, but Japan are not here to make up the numbers.

Match Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Japan

Best Bets

Netherlands to win at 21/20 (AK Bets). The Dutch carry an unbeaten head-to-head record against Japan and have the stronger attacking unit on paper. At just above evens, this is a reasonable price for a side that has not lost to Japan across three previous meetings.

Over 2.5 Goals at 19/20 (AK Bets). The projected match total points to a goal-heavy fixture, and the Netherlands averaged over three goals per match during qualifying. With both sides likely to commit bodies forward in a group opener, goals look firmly on the cards.

Netherlands vs Japan Bet Builder

This four-leg bet builder backs the Netherlands to begin their World Cup campaign with a win while recognising Japan's ability to make life difficult for any opponent.

The Oranje have won four of their last five matches, but their defensive record leaves room for encouragement for Japan, who have beaten the likes of England and Brazil in recent friendlies and face a Dutch side that has failed to keep a clean sheet in five of its last six games.

Virgil van Dijk adds interest in the player markets, having enjoyed his most prolific goalscoring season and carrying a significant aerial advantage at set pieces, while Cody Gakpo arrives in excellent form after hitting this line in five of his last six international appearances, including a brace in his most recent outing.

Best combined odds of 8/1 at bet365 at the time of publishing.

Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.