Netherlands vs. Japan Predicted Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Group F Opening Match

By Brad Szalach | Jun 14, 2026, 12:18pm

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 Predicted Starting Lineup

The Netherlands are expected to deploy a balanced setup built around a talented midfield and experienced defensive core. Bart Verbruggen is projected to start in goal behind a back four consisting of Denzel Dumfries, Jean-Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, and Frenkie de Jong are expected to provide a strong blend of technical ability, ball progression, and defensive work rate. Their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial against Japan’s organized pressing system.

Further forward, Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo are projected to support 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’s finishing ability gives the Dutch a reliable goal-scoring presence in the final third.

GK: Bart Verbruggen
RB: Denzel Dumfries
CB: Jean-Paul van Hecke
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Micky van de Ven
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
CM: Tijjani Reijnders
CM: Frenkie de Jong
RW: Crysencio Summerville
ST: Donyell Malen
LW: Cody Gakpo

Japan Predicted Starting Lineup

Japan are expected to line up in a disciplined and energetic system that emphasizes organization, pressing intensity, and technical quality throughout the squad.

Zion Suzuki should start in goal behind a back four featuring Takehiro Tomiyasu, Maya Yoshida, and Ko Itakura. The defensive unit combines experience and leadership with the athleticism needed to cope with the Netherlands’ attacking threats.

In midfield, Ao Tanaka and Wataru Endo are expected to anchor the center of the pitch, providing defensive stability and ball-winning ability. Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura should operate from wide areas, while Takefusa Kubo is projected to play in a more advanced creative role behind the striker.

Leading the line is expected to be Ayase Ueda, who 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.

GK: Zion Suzuki
RB: Takehiro Tomiyasu
CB: Maya Yoshida
CB: Ko Itakura
LB: Junya Ito
CM: Wataru Endo
CM: Ao Tanaka
RW: Ritsu Doan
AM: Takefusa Kubo
LW: Keito Nakamura
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 long-time midfield leader Wataru Endo has been sidelined by a persistent foot issue. Their absences place additional responsibility on attacking talents such as Takefusa Kubo 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.

Netherlands vs. Japan World Cup Match Betting Resources

AP Images/Charlie Riedel

Brad Szalach

Brad Szalach is the Content Lead for LegalSportsReport and Lineups, where he oversees strategy and production of sports betting, iGaming, and evergreen content. He previously managed editorial teams at PlayUSA and VegasInsider, building expertise in SEO-driven and revenue-focused content. Brad can be reached at brad.szalach@catenamedia.com.