Netherlands, Japan Set for Key Group F Test in World Cup Opener

Netherlands, Japan Set for Key Group F Test in World Cup Opener

The Netherlands and Japan open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns on June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a matchup that could play a major role in determining the Group F winner. The Dutch enter the tournament as the highest-ranked team in the group and a three-time World Cup runner-up, while Japan arrives seeking its first appearance beyond the Round of 16. The teams previously met at the World Cup in 2010, when the Netherlands earned a 1-0 victory. 

Much of the focus is on whether the Netherlands can quickly establish control of a group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia. Ronald Koeman's side features veterans such as Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, but will be without defender Jurrien Timber, who was ruled out of the tournament because of a groin injury. Japan counters with a disciplined squad led by Takefusa Kubo and captain Wataru Endo after closing its World Cup preparations with a 1-0 win over Iceland.

Koeman said last week that a pre-tournament defeat to Algeria served as a "wake-up call" for his team before the World Cup, adding that the Dutch must show greater urgency as the competition begins. The Netherlands followed that setback with final preparations in New York ahead of Sunday's opener.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Sunday in Arlington. After the opener, the Netherlands face Sweden on June 20 in Houston before concluding group play against Tunisia on June 25 in Kansas City. Japan's remaining Group F schedule includes Tunisia on June 20 in Monterrey and Sweden on June 25 back in Arlington.