Netherlands vs Japan: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman’s side face challenging opener after woeful warm-ups

Ronald Koeman’s Oranje come into the tournament with a strong squad but in not entirely convincing form. A brace of pre-tournament friendlies saw them beaten by Algeria 1-0 and only narrowly beat Uzbekistan, with Guus Til sent off late on.

Their form is in stark contrast to their expectations. Fans back home will fully expect a deep run after reaching the final in 2010 and finishing third in 2014.

And they have their work cut out for them facing a Japan team in something of a golden era. In tournaments gone by, the goal has simply been to escape the group stage, a feat they have achieved in just three of their six finals appearances, but they are tipped for a more significant contribution this time around.

High expectations: Japan

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Date, kick-off time and venue

Netherlands vs Japan is scheduled for a 9pm BST kick-off on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The match will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Where to watch Netherlands vs Japan for FREE

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 8.15pm BST ahead of a 9pm kick-off. Coverage will immediately follow that of Germany vs Curacao, which will be broadcast on the same channel.

Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the ITVX app or the channel’s website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog!

Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and their websites.

Netherlands vs Japan team news

Ronald Koeman’s squad was rocked in the build-up to the tournament by the news of an injury to Jurrien Timber, who has failed to recover from the groin injury which saw him sidelined for much of the run-in. Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida was called up in his place.

A Liverpool-heavy core will dictate this team. Ryan Gravenberch is due to play a key role in midfield, as will his Cody Gakpo, while the stalwart Virgil van Dijk will play a keystone role in defence.

Netherlands squad: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen, Nathan Ake, Sven Botman, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Lutsharel Geertruida, Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer, Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Justin Kluivert, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst

Called up: Lutsharel Geertruida

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This Japan squad has been hailed as one of the nation’s strongest ever, and for good reason. Daichi Kamada will run the show after playing a pivotal role in two of Crystal Palace’s best-ever seasons, while Daizen Maeda will lead the line after enjoying a stellar campaign for Celtic.

Captain Wataru Endo missed much of the second half of the Premier League season with a serious ankle injury, but has shaken it off in time to make the squad here. Ao Tanaka had something of a breakout campaign at Leeds, pulling the strings for Daniel Farke’s side.

Up top, Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda found the back of the net 25 times in 31 league appearances and scored more headed goals than any other player in Europe.

Japan squad: Tomoki Hayakawa, Keisuke Osako, Zion Suzuki, Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junosuke Suzuki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Ito Suzuki, Kento Shiode, Keisuke Goto

Showstopper: Daizen Maeda

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Netherlands vs Japan prediction

If the Netherlands’ warm-up campaign is anything to go by, their prospects for the World Cup are not brilliant. To edge past Uzbekistan with ten men and lose to Algeria will not do much to inspire many fans back home.

Japan, meanwhile, are nothing if not inpsired. This is a well-drilled, well-rounded squad which got the better of England in March, and can genuinely dream of a serious run.

We back them to get the ball rolling in style here.

Japan to win, 3-0.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

It has been 13 years since these two nations last met. Their most recent clash came in a friendly in Genk and ended 2-2. Rafael van der Vaart and Arjen Robben gave the Dutch a two-goal lead but they were pegged back by Yuya Osako and Keisuke Honda.

Netherlands wins: 2

Japan wins: 0

Draws: 1

Netherlands vs Japan match odds

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