Netherlands vs Japan — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026One of Matchday 1's most intriguing collisions of styles: the Netherlands' technical patience against Japan's slick, high-energy collective. Ronald Koeman's Dutch are loaded with elite talent in Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo; Hajime Moriyasu's Japan, fearless against Europe's best in recent years, arrive with the pace of Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo.
The tactical chess is the draw. The Netherlands will want to control possession and build through De Jong; Japan will press in coordinated waves and look to turn defence into attack at speed, exactly the recipe that troubled major nations at the last World Cup.
Expect a high-quality, cerebral contest. The Dutch carry more individual star power, but Japan have proven they can hurt anyone who gives them space in transition.
Key storylines
- 01Style clash: Dutch positional control versus Japan's coordinated pressing.
- 02Virgil van Dijk leads a Netherlands side rich in elite individuals.
- 03Japan's giant-killing reputation against European heavyweights.
- 04Frenkie de Jong is the brain of the Dutch build-up.
- 05Mitoma and Kubo carry Japan's threat on the break.
Prediction
Dutch quality to shade a fascinating tactical battle. Friendly call: Netherlands 2-1 Japan.
