Netherlands and Japan face off in Group F opener as World Cup campaign begins Sunday night in Arlington

Match preview

The Netherlands and Japan will meet in a Group F fixture (one Polish report places them in Group D) on 14 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 CET. The match is the first for both teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it carries immediate weight in what is regarded as a balanced group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia.

Ronald Koeman’s side enters the tournament ranked eighth in the FIFA rankings. The Dutch have never lost to Japan in three previous meetings, winning two and drawing one. They have also kept a group-stage unbeaten run at World Cups intact since 1994.

Team form and injuries

Netherlands’ preparations have been uneven. A ten-match unbeaten streak ended with a 1–0 defeat to Algeria, and a subsequent 2–1 win over Uzbekistan required two penalties from Cody Gakpo. Koeman will be without several key players: midfielder Xavi Simons suffered an ACL rupture, while defender Jurrien Timber, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (doubtful with a hip injury) are all unavailable.

Japan arrives with sharp defensive form, having won five consecutive friendlies without conceding a goal, including victories over England and Scotland. Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s squad has been described as possessing an unprecedented level of individual talent in Japanese football history.

Head-to-head and odds

Bookmaker odds make the Netherlands favourites with a win priced around 2.00, while a Japan victory can be backed at approximately 3.65–3.80. A draw is quoted at 3.60. The margin reflects Dutch pedigree, though Japan’s recent defensive solidity suggests a tight encounter.

Where to watch

In Poland, the match will be broadcast live on TVP 1 and TVP Sport, with pre-match studio coverage beginning at 21:35 on TVP Sport and 21:20 on TVP 1. Streaming is available via tvpsport.pl and the TVP Sport mobile app, as well as through the Pilot WP service.