Netherlands vs Japan LIVE: Memphis Depay starts on bench for Dutch in Group F World Cup clash

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The Independent

·14. Juni 2026

Netherlands vs Japan LIVE: Memphis Depay starts on bench for Dutch in Group F World Cup clash

The Netherlands kick off their World Cup campaign with a tough test against a Japan side tipped by plenty to progress deep in this year’s tournament.

The Dutch have never won the competition, reaching the final three times but losing on each occasion. If an elusive title feels unlikely this year, there is still plenty of quality at the disposal of Ronald Koeman, who has been boosted by the return to fitness of record Dutch scorer Memphis Depay ahead of the action getting underway.

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This, however, could be a tricky opening fixture. Japan topped their group four years ago above Spain and Germany, and hopes are high that they might progress beyond the round of 16 this time around for the first time. With Sweden and Tunisia the other members of an intriguing group, a good start may be crucial.