Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan at the AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
Ronald Koeman’s side want to secure an immediate advantage in a competitive Group F. The Dutch carry genuine ambition despite suffering a frustrating wave of recent injury blows. They hope to replicate their strong qualifying form, where they scored 27 goals in eight matches. The European heavyweights face a stern test against an incredibly organised Japanese pressing unit.
Netherlands team news
Ronald Koeman must navigate a severe injury crisis that has heavily disrupted his tournament preparation. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was unfortunately ruled out just before the tournament. His sudden absence forced late adjustments to the defensive strategy.
Furthermore, creative linchpin Xavi Simons was not called up due to his injury. This decision strips the Dutch midfield of vital inventiveness. Midfielder Jerdy Schouten is similarly ruled out after picking up a serious knee injury.
Absolute record goalscorer Memphis Depay arrives with major fitness concerns. The forward scored 55 international goals in 109 caps for his country. However, he is currently managing a lingering hamstring issue sustained during his club season with Corinthians.
Reliable defender Matthijs de Ligt remains a major doubt following a troublesome back problem. His exact involvement in this opening fixture remains highly uncertain.
On a more positive note, dynamic full-back Denzel Dumfries has fully recovered from a lengthy absence. His return to full fitness provides a massive boost for the right flank.
Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake had limited club minutes recently but are completely available. Micky van de Ven has earned a starting place at centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch and Frenkie de Jong return to anchor the engine room. Neither midfielder was fully fit for Euro 2024. Their partnership provides genuine world-class quality to control possession against Japan’s high-energy press.
Up front, Wout Weghorst will lead the line, flanked by Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo.
Netherlands predicted lineup
Netherlands predicted XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Ake; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Weghorst, Gakpo.
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match 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.
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