Japan face the Netherlands in Dallas, looking to cause a massive opening-day upset in Group F.
Samurai Blue arrive at their eighth consecutive World Cup in sensational form. Hajime Moriyasu’s squad have won six consecutive matches, including historic victories over Brazil and England. They hope to advance beyond the last 16 for the first time in their history. The Asian giants will rely on their aggressive 3-4-2-1 pressing structure to disrupt the Dutch rhythm.
Japan team news
Japan’s preparations for the tournament have been rocked by a massive, late selection crisis. Captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the squad just three days before the opening match.
The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder also announced his immediate retirement from international football. Endo had struggled with a foot injury since late February. The issue required surgery after he sustained it on club duty.
He initially made the 26-man roster after showing positive signs of recovery. However, he lasted only a half in a warm-up friendly against Iceland on May 31. He was replaced after feeling severe discomfort during the match.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu had previously expressed hope based on medical reports. In his absence, the midfield requires a complete tactical reshuffle.
Talismanic winger Kaoru Mitoma is also completely unavailable for this summer’s tournament. He scored the winning goal against England before suffering a tournament-ending hamstring injury.
This blow deprives Japan of their most explosive attacking threat on the left flank. In addition, former Monaco forward Takumi Minamino is missing from the squad. His absence significantly reduces proven goalscoring depth in the final third.
Moriyasu will deploy seasoned campaigner Ao Tanaka in midfield to replace Endo. Tanaka will partner the hardworking youngster Daiki Sano in the central engine room. Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, and Shogo Taniguchi will form a resilient back three.
Further forward, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan will shoulder the primary creative responsibilities. Both playmakers must unlock a physically imposing Dutch defence.
Ayase Ueda is set to lead the line with massive confidence. The clinical striker enjoyed a spectacular club campaign, scoring 25 goals in 31 Eredivisie appearances for Feyenoord.
Japan predicted lineup
Japan predicted XI: Zion Suzuki; Ito, Itakura, Taniguchi; Sugawara, Sano, Tanaka, Nagatomo; Kubo, Doan; Ueda.
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match at AT&T Stadium kicks off at 21:00 BST on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and BBC One. Viewers in the United States can watch the entire fixture live on Fox Sports.
Read more –Â USA: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
See Also-Â Turkiye: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
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