Netherlands - Japan / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Netherlands vs. Japan match in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, which you can also watch live on JOJ play, kicks off at 10:00 PM CET.

The curtain rises, and the 2026 World Cup immediately offers a tantalizing clash that meets the highest standards. In a fiercely competitive Group F, two footballing cultures with the loftiest ambitions will collide. On one side, an ambitious Japan, long shedding its underdog label and now striking fear into the world's elite. Against them stands the traditional European powerhouse, the Netherlands. The outcome of this opening encounter could significantly impact the qualification mathematics.

The "Samurai Blue" arrive at their eighth consecutive final tournament with arguably their strongest squad ever. Coach Hajime Moriyasu's charges proved at the last World Cup in Qatar that they thrive as giant-killers, sending both Germany and Spain home prematurely. Their journey to the current "Mundial" was breathtaking – they became the first team to secure their spot directly on the pitch, scoring 54 goals against opponents and conceding only three times.

Japan's form continued to peak in their immediate preparations, extending their winning streak to six matches. During this run, they kept five clean sheets and added valuable scalps like Brazil (3-2) and England (1-0) to their trophy cabinet. The creative midfielder Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad, nicknamed the "Japanese Messi" in football circles, will be the main engine of their offense, with the Asian representative's effectiveness depending on his brilliant passes. The match will hold special significance for striker Ayase Ueda, the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie for Feyenoord. Young talent Zion Suzuki will be a pillar between the posts. Moriyasu's playing style is characterized by teamwork, aggressive pressing, and lightning-fast transitions. The collective strength will be crucial, as Japan will be without Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and, not least, captain Wataru Endo due to injuries.

On the opposite side stands the Netherlands – three-time unsuccessful finalists, still yearning for their maiden World Cup triumph. Coach Ronald Koeman led the "Oranje" to the tournament without a single qualifying defeat and reached the semi-finals of the previous EURO 2024, but the pre-tournament phase revealed several cracks. Narrow victories over Norway and Uzbekistan, a draw with Ecuador, and an unexpected loss to Algeria sparked a wave of criticism. Fans primarily fault the team for its sterility and lack of creative ideas in the attacking third.

Koeman's system relies on a defensive wall, commanded by the uncompromising captain Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong will orchestrate play, while Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen will bear the goal-scoring responsibility. Malen, who has found excellent form at his club, is expected to replace the injured playmaker Xavi Simons. Besides him, the Dutch infirmary swallowed up Jurriën Timber and Matthijs de Ligt before the tournament, and the participation of first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen remains questionable.

The tactical chess match will pit two diametrically opposed philosophies against each other. It's expected that the technically gifted Dutch will have more possession, attempting to dictate the tempo of the game. However, Japan's high and organized press could cause significant problems for their build-up play. If the Asian team starts well and avoids mistakes, they have an ideal opportunity for another historic success.

Although historical statistics clearly favor the Europeans – the Netherlands has never lost their opening match at a World Cup and triumphed 1-0 in their only previous encounter at the 2010 World Cup – a much closer contest is anticipated this time. Japan's current run of form positions them as a dangerous opponent.