World Cup 2026: Netherlands face dangerous Japan test in Group F opener

The Netherlands begin their Group F campaign against Japan on Sunday in Dallas, with both sides aiming to take an early step towards qualification for the knockout stages.

In a group that also features Tunisia and Sweden, a positive result could prove decisive in the race for a top-two finish. While the Dutch arrive as favourites on paper, Japan’s recent form suggests the encounter may be far more competitive than expected.

The Netherlands enter the tournament with ambitions of challenging for the world title that has long eluded them. Despite being one of international football’s most respected nations, the Oranje have never lifted the World Cup trophy, finishing runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.

This year’s competition marks the Netherlands’ 12th World Cup appearance, and recent history offers encouragement. The Dutch have not lost a group-stage match at the tournament since 1994 and have consistently progressed beyond the opening phase in recent editions.

Head coach Ronald Koeman returns to North America hoping to guide his side deeper into the competition after reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and advancing to the latter stages of several major tournaments in recent years.

However, preparations have not been entirely smooth. The Netherlands suffered a defeat against Algeria in their final home warm-up match, ending a ten-game unbeaten run.

They later overcame Uzbekistan in a closed-door friendly in New York, with Cody Gakpo scoring twice from the penalty spot.

Japan, meanwhile, travel to Dallas full of confidence after another impressive cycle. The Samurai Blue have qualified for their eighth consecutive World Cup and continue to establish themselves as one of Asia’s strongest football nations.

Ranked just ten places behind the Netherlands in the FIFA rankings, Hajime Moriyasu’s side arrives on the back of six consecutive friendly victories. Their qualification campaign was equally impressive, producing 54 goals while conceding only three.

Japan also demonstrated their ability to compete with elite opposition at the 2022 World Cup, defeating both Germany and Spain before suffering a penalty shootout defeat against Croatia in the Round of 16.

The two nations have met once before at the World Cup, with the Netherlands recording a 1-0 victory in South Africa in 2010. This time, however, Japan appears better equipped to challenge one of Europe’s traditional powers.

The Dutch camp is also dealing with injury concerns. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen suffered a hip problem during preparations, while Jurrien Timber, Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons are unavailable.

Japan will be without captain Wataru Endo, who retired from international football after failing to recover from a foot injury. Kaoru Mitoma is also absent, increasing the responsibility on attacking talents Take Kubo, Junya Ito and Ayase Ueda.

While the Netherlands possess greater tournament pedigree and remain unbeaten in opening World Cup matches since 1938, Japan’s attacking quality and recent momentum make them a genuine threat.

With both teams targeting a strong start in Group F, a closely contested encounter could be on the cards as two ambitious nations begin their World Cup journeys.