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The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Sunday as the Netherlands and Japan meet in a compelling Group F matchup featuring two teams with realistic ambitions of advancing to the knockout stage.
The Netherlands enter the contest looking to build on a strong qualifying campaign and are considered one of Europe’s most talented sides despite dealing with several injury concerns. Japan, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after establishing themselves as one of Asia’s premier national teams and will look to challenge one of the tournament’s traditional powers.
With both teams eager to begin their World Cup campaign with a positive result, valuable group-stage points will be at stake in a matchup that could prove pivotal in determining the final standings.
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Netherlands Confirmed Starting Lineup
The Netherlands will deploy a balanced setup built around a talented midfield and experienced defensive core. Bart Verbruggen starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch provide control and composure from deeper positions, while Tijjani Reijnders operates in a more advanced role. The trio gives the Dutch a strong blend of technical ability, ball progression, and defensive work rate.
Further forward, Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo flank striker Donyell Malen. Gakpo remains one of the Netherlands’ most dangerous attacking threats, while Summerville’s pace and direct running provide another outlet in transition. Malen leads the line and will look to capitalize on chances created by the Dutch midfield and wide attackers.
- GK: Bart Verbruggen
- RB: Denzel Dumfries
- CB: Jan Paul van Hecke
- CB: Virgil van Dijk
- LB: Micky van de Ven
- CM: Frenkie de Jong
- CM: Ryan Gravenberch
- RW: Crysencio Summerville
- AM: Tijjani Reijnders
- LW: Cody Gakpo
- ST: Donyell Malen
Japan Confirmed Starting Lineup
Japan line up in a disciplined and energetic system that emphasizes organization, pressing intensity, and technical quality throughout the squad.
Zion Suzuki starts in goal behind a three-man defensive unit consisting of Hiroki Ito, Shogo Taniguchi, and Tsuyoshi Watanabe. The trio combines international experience with strong defensive awareness as Japan looks to contain the Netherlands’ attacking talent.
Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura provide width from wide midfield positions, while Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano patrol central midfield. Further forward, Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo operate in advanced attacking roles behind striker Ayase Ueda.
Ueda enters the tournament after an excellent club campaign and gives Japan a proven goal-scoring threat capable of capitalizing on the team’s quick transitions and attacking movement. Kubo and Maeda provide additional creativity and pace in support.
- GK: Zion Suzuki
- CB: Hiroki Ito
- CB: Shogo Taniguchi
- CB: Tsuyoshi Watanabe
- RM: Ritsu Doan
- CM: Daichi Kamada
- CM: Kaishu Sano
- LM: Keito Nakamura
- AM: Daizen Maeda
- AM: Takefusa Kubo
- ST: Ayase Ueda
Team News & Key Absences
The Netherlands enter the tournament dealing with several notable injury concerns. Jurrien Timber has been ruled out, while creative midfielder Xavi Simons was not included in the squad due to injury. Matthijs de Ligt is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a back problem. These absences have forced Ronald Koeman to make several adjustments to his preferred lineup.
Japan are also without a pair of influential players. Kaoru Mitoma has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury near the end of the club season, while veteran midfielder Wataru Endo is unavailable due to a persistent foot issue. Their absences place additional responsibility on attacking talents such as Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maeda, and Ayase Ueda.
With both teams expected to have the majority of their core contributors available, execution and discipline could prove decisive in a matchup that may have a major impact on the Group F standings.
Match Outlook & Resources
The Netherlands enter the contest as slight favorites thanks to their experience, midfield quality, and defensive leadership. Van Dijk, De Jong, and Gakpo provide a strong spine throughout the team, while Dumfries and Summerville offer additional attacking threats from wide positions.
Japan, however, have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete with elite nations on the biggest stage. Their organization, work rate, and pressing ability make them a difficult opponent, particularly in tournament settings where defensive discipline often proves decisive.
With both teams targeting a strong start to their World Cup campaign, expect a competitive encounter where tactical execution and key moments in the final third could ultimately determine the result.
AP Images/Charlie Riedel
