2026 World Cup: Netherlands vs. Japan, probable lineups

The Netherlands vs. Japan is a match in the first round of Group F at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Kickoff is at 10 p.m. (Italian time) in Arlington for the match between the Oranje and the Blue Samurai, who have faced each other only three times since 2000. In their last official match, at the 2010 World Cup, the Netherlands won 1-0. Group F is very evenly matched (the group also includes Tunisia and Sweden), and the stakes for this match are already extremely high. Koeman’s squad is coming off mixed results in friendlies, while the Japanese have impressed by winning their last six test matches, including those against Brazil and England.

The Netherlands will field Depay as the lone striker, supported by Malen, Reijnders, and Gakpo. In midfield, De Jong partners with Gravenberch, while the fullbacks will be Dumfries and Van de Ven. Van Dijk leads the defense, with Aké alongside him.

Japan features Ueda as the attacking focal point, supported by Kubo and Ito. In midfield, Kamada partners with Tanaka, while Doan and Nakamura play on the wings. The trio of Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, and Itakura anchors the defense in front of Suzuki in goal.

Netherlands vs. Japan: Probable Lineups
Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Aké, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay. Coach: Koeman.
Japan (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Itakura; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kubo, Ito; Ueda. Head Coach: Moriyasu