Japan predicted lineup vs Netherlands for FIFA World Cup 2026
The Samurai Blue will be an Asian nation to watch out for at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan, a formidable force from Asia, will compete in their eighth World Cup in a row. They have never advanced past the round of 16—not even at home in 2002.
Hajime Moriyasu’s team, ranked 18th in FIFA, just 10 spots behind the Netherlands, arrive in excellent condition after winning six consecutive friendlies.
Samurai Blue have gained significant momentum after dominating the World Cup qualifiers. They defeated both Brazil and England along the way in friendlies.
Additionally, they only gave up three goals during the process. It highlights the cohesiveness and structure that have elevated expectations for a strong run this summer.
At Qatar 2022, Japan performed admirably against top-tier European opposition. They defeated Germany and Spain in the group stage before drawing with Croatia and losing on penalties.
They will now play the Netherlands in the World Cup finals for the second time after losing 1-0 in 2010.
Also read: Netherlands XI vs Japan – Predicted lineup & team news for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Japan team news vs Netherlands
Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan, declared his retirement from international football after failing to recover from a foot ailment. Winger Kaoru Mitoma was also forced to withdraw after failing to recover in time from an injury.
In the absence of the latter, Take Kubo and Junya Ito, who together recorded 33 goal involvements throughout qualification, should be used by Moriyasu as supporting attackers behind lone striker Ayase Ueda.
Yuto Nagatomo, a 39-year-old full-back who is expected to start on the bench, has the potential to become the first Asian player to participate in five World Cups.
Japan predicted XI vs Netherlands
Japan predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H. Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J. Ito, Kubo; Ueda
Which group are Japan in?
They are in Group F.
When was the last time they faced the Netherlands in the World Cup?
In 2010, losing 1-0 to them.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.