Netherlands vs Japan Prediction: Asia’s finest to provide tough opposition

Group F swings into action tonight (9pm BST, live on ITV) with Netherlands vs Japan, from the Dallas Stadium in Texas. As to which if either of these sides will prove to be 'all hat and no oil' at this World Cup, we'll certainly get an early indication as to their credentials or otherwise.

I'm still drooling at the thought of that Brazil/Morocco first half on Saturday - what a marker to set down. This evening's clash could be another beauty - let's get to it then.

Netherlands vs Japan Odds

Netherlands are favourites at 1/1, Japan currently trade at 11/4, and it's 12/5 the draw. Probability-wise the market implies there's a 50% chance the Oranje will prevail - are you a player? Must confess I have my doubts ...

World Cup Group F

Sunday 14 June 2026

Netherlands vs Japan

2 - 2

Team News

Keeper Bart Verbruggen is under something of a cloud at present and both Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs are on standby.

Missing are Jurrien Timber, ACL victim Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt and playmaker Xavi Simons.

Netherlands' legend Memphis Depay was prolific in qualification and Donyell Malen has been a real threat for Roma of late.

Japan must get used to life without retiree Wataru Endo, and Brighton's flying machine Kaoru Mitoma isn't gracing this World Cup either courtesy of a hamstring injury.

Take Kubo and Junya Ito are expected to feature along with striker Ayase Ueda, with all contributing significantly towards qualification.

Could potentially be set for a bit of history, as 39-year-old full-back Yuto Nagatomo would be the first Asian player to appear at five World Cups.

Japan to win the match @ 11/4

Let's not forget - while Italy for example presently languish in football ignominy, Scotland are loving life after a 28-year hiatus, and if you're an England fan don't mention the 1970s - Japan in contrast are appearing at their eighth consecutive World Cup.

They're ranked about 10 places below their opponents but have won their last six friendlies and number England and Brazil among recent victims. They're busy, compact, talented, and determined.

Great time to catch the Netherlands perhaps, first up, and I'm playing what I feel is the value shout tonight. Virgil van Dijk has enjoyed a magnificent career but anno domini respects no-one.

He didn't for me look his usual dominant self for Liverpool last term and Japan will look to exploit any potential uncertainty at the heart of their opponents' defence.

Japan first team to score @ 7/5

Tipping up Asia's top side to take this Group opener makes it easy to envisage them breaking the ice first. I've mentioned VVD, and he might, just might, be in for an uncomfortable evening.

This is not the Netherlands of Cruyff, Bergkamp, Van Basten, Gullit, Neeskens; it's crazy that they've yet to win one of these thinking about that level of talent, but three losing finals have come and gone down the years, tragically perhaps, and the 18/1 or thereabouts for them winning this tournament doesn't appeal to me.

I'm taking Japan to make a statement of intent tonight and make their own 50/1 odds to win this whole thing look a tad generous.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

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