FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Japan 🇳🇱🇯🇵 | OneFootball

The Netherlands and Japan get their FIFA World Cup 26™ campaigns underway in what could be a decisive opening clash.

Here's everything you need to look out for in the first match of Group F.

Who is playing today? 👀

After a dramatic quarter-final exit to Argentina in 2022, the Netherlands return to the FIFA World Cup™ with a squad full of Premier League talent.

Ronald Koeman’s squad features 13 PL players, including Cody Gakpo, Nathan Aké and captain Virgil van Dijk.

Japan, meanwhile, are looking to improve on a strong group stage showing in 2022, which included wins over Germany and Spain.

Since then, Japan have continued to impress against football's elite, notching friendly wins over Brazil and England, with the former being particularly impressive as Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda scoring as they came from two goals down to triumph 3-2.

Could we be set for yet another Samurai Blue giant killing?

Players to watch 🔥

With Kaoru Mitoma missing the tournament through injury, Takefusa Kubo is the most exciting and experienced attacker in Japan’s World Cup™ squad.

The 25-year-old is a deft, technically gifted winger with 47 goal contributions across four seasons at Real Sociedad.

However, Kubo will have his work cut out for him against the Netherlands’ physically commanding backline, which is marshalled by Virgil van Dijk.

His presence will be key to hopes of Oranje success this summer.

Must-watch video 🎥

Fun facts 📊

Our prediction 🔮