2026 World Cup: Netherlands to Face Japan in Opening Group Match

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Netherlands vs Japan WC 2026. First round

Нідерланди зустрінуться з Японією в стартовій грі чемпіонату світу 2026 року. Photo: Главком

Netherlands vs. Japan: Match Preview

According to Главком: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off for these two sides on June 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA, where the Netherlands will take on Japan in their first group stage encounter. Bookmakers at GGBET have installed the Dutch as clear favorites, offering odds of 2.07 for a Netherlands victory. Japan's chances of winning are priced at 3.82, while a draw stands at 3.49.

Pre-Tournament Friendlies

Leading up to the tournament, the Netherlands played two warm-up matches:

A 1–0 loss to Algeria;
A 2–1 win over Uzbekistan, with Cody Gakpo scoring both goals.

Japan, meanwhile, contested a single friendly, defeating Iceland 1–0 thanks to a goal from Koki Ogawa.

The two nations have met three times previously:

In 2009, the Netherlands won a friendly 3–0.
In 2014, they played out a 2–2 draw in another exhibition match.
In 2010, the Dutch secured a 1–0 victory in a World Cup group stage match, with midfielder Wesley Sneijder scoring the only goal.

The Netherlands vs. Japan match will be broadcast live on the Megogo streaming service at 23:00 Kyiv time. Viewers can tune in via the Megogo Football 2 channel.

This fixture represents a crucial early test for both teams as they aim to make their mark on the global stage. The Netherlands, backed by a strong historical record against Japan, will look to justify their favorite status. Japan, coming off a confident friendly win, will seek to spring an upset and get their campaign off to a positive start. The outcome could significantly shape the trajectory of Group E and set the tone for each side's World Cup journey.

As the excitement builds for the opening match between the Netherlands and Japan, it's important to consider how their performance in this group stage could influence their overall journey in the tournament. For a deeper analysis of the teams' strengths and predictions for the upcoming matches, check out what Opta has to say about the frontrunners in Group F.