The Netherlands and Japan will begin their World Cup 2026 campaigns on Sunday evening in Dallas. Both teams enter Group F with high expectations and several injury concerns.
The match kicks off at 9pm UK time and will be broadcast on ITV 1. The Netherlands, coached by Ronald Koeman, have reached three World Cup finals without winning the trophy. Japan arrive in strong form after winning six consecutive matches in build-up games.
Injuries have affected both squads. Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is doubtful with a hip problem, while Jurrien Timber, Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons are unavailable. Japan will miss captain Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma.
Expected line-ups show the Netherlands starting with Verbruggen in goal if fit, supported by players including Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. Japan are set to field players such as Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda in attack.
Japan have scored 54 goals in qualifying, the most in their confederation, and are appearing in their eighth straight World Cup. The Netherlands hold a strong historical win rate in the tournament but have not lifted the trophy despite their success.
