Netherlands open World Cup campaign against Japan with Depay fit but Endo out for tournament
The Netherlands and Japan meet in a Group F opener at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas on Sunday, with Dutch striker Memphis Depay declared fit after a quadriceps injury but Japan missing captain Wataru Endo for the tournament.
Dutch preparations
Ronald Koeman's side enters the match ranked 8th in the world, though warm-up results have been mixed. According to SRF, the Netherlands lost 1–2 to Algeria and beat Uzbekistan 2–1, while Ouest France reported a 1–0 win over Uzbekistan and a 1–0 loss to Algeria. Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the work ahead.
We still have a few steps to take.
Koeman, in charge since 2023, insisted the team carries the same expectations as always.
The pressure has always been there. The Netherlands may not be a very large country geographically, but it's a country that is always present at major tournaments, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves.
Injury situation
The Dutch camp has several fitness concerns. Centre-back Jurriën Timber (Arsenal), defender Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United) and midfielder Xavi Simons (Tottenham) are all absent. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is a doubt after coming off injured against Uzbekistan. Memphis Depay, the national team's record scorer, has been recovering from a right quadriceps injury sustained with Corinthians. Koeman said Depay is "in a position to start the match" after ten days of improvement, though earlier reports suggested he may begin on the bench.
Japan's momentum
Japan, ranked 18th, became the first team to qualify for this World Cup through the sporting route, in March 2025. Coach Hajime Moriyasu's side won their last six matches, including victories over Brazil and England. However, captain and midfielder Wataru Endo has been ruled out of the entire tournament and has retired from international football. Playmaker Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace is expected to lead the attack. Japan scored 54 goals and conceded only three in 16 qualifying matches.
Group F outlook
The match takes place at 22:00 local time in Dallas. The group also includes Sweden, led by Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak under coach Graham Potter, and Tunisia under Sabri Lamouchi. The Netherlands, finalists in 1974, 1978 and 2010, last reached the semi-finals in 2014 and were quarter-finalists in Qatar 2022. Japan have never progressed beyond the round of 16 in seven previous appearances.
