Netherlands-Japan: Tough Opening in Group F

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opening match, the Netherlands and Japan face each other at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The Netherlands under Ronald Koeman's management aims to go further in this tournament after the Euro 2024 semi-finals and the previous World Cup quarter-finals to win the first World Cup championship in their history. Japan under Hajime Moriyasu's management is in their 8th World Cup adventure. Japan, 18th in the FIFA ranking and 10 places below the Netherlands, came to the tournament with six consecutive victories in warm-up matches, also beating Brazil and England.

Netherlands Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
Defence: Denzel Dumfries - Sven van Hecke - Virgil van Dijk (C) - Micky van de Ven
Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders - Ryan Gravenberch - Frenkie de Jong
Attack line: Crysencio Summerville - Donyell Malen - Cody Gakpo

Japan Predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
Defence: Ko Taniguchi - Ko Itakura - Hiroki Ito
Midfield: Ritsu Doan - Daichi Kamada - Ao Tanaka - Keito Nakamura
Attack line: Junya Ito - Takefusa Kubo
Forward: Ayase Ueda

In the Netherlands, captain Virgil van Dijk is the leader of the defence line as always. Bart Verbruggen had a hip bruise injury against Uzbekistan in the last warm-up match, and substitute goalkeepers Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs are in the squad as alternatives. In the forward line, Memphis Depay's physical condition is not complete; for this reason, Donyell Malen is expected to take on the centre-forward role. The 26-year-old Malen is in the position of Serie A's top scorer of the year with his performance at Roma in 2026. Crysencio Summerville can complete the attacking trio together with Cody Gakpo. Liverpool's captain Wataru Endo, however, dropped out of Japan's squad due to injury and ended his international career. Brighton's Mitoma and Monaco's Takumi Minamino are also not in the squad. Ayase Ueda, 2025-26 Eredivisie top scorer, will be in the forward line.

Image: si.com