Japan starting lineup vs Netherlands confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

This is going to be the fourth-ever outing between these nations.

The Japan national football team are now set for their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will have a face-off against the Netherlands national football team at the Dallas Stadium.

The Hajime Moriyasu-led side have performed well in their last few games. They have secured victories against nations like England, Brazil and Scotland in their last few attempts and will be looking to put in a top performance on the world stage. The opening game is not going to be an easy one for them.

On their road to the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Netherlands national football team faced a defeat against Algeria and then barely managed to secure a win against Uzbekistan in their international friendly. They will have to come up with a top performance if they want to make an impact from the start on the grandest stage of them all.

Also Read: Netherlands vs Japan: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft- Memphis Depay & Takefusa Kubo

Japan’s confirmed lineup for their opening World Cup game against the Netherlands:

Japan (3-4-3): Zion Suzuki (GK), Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura; Takefusa Kubo, Ayase Ueda, Daizen Maeda

Substitutes: Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa, Yuto Nagatomo, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki, Ao Tanaka, Yuito Suzuki, Koki Ogawa, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto, Shuto Machino, Junya Ito

Thoughts on the lineup

Ritsu Doan is all set to don the captain’s armband for the Japan national football team at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He is set to control the midfield alongside Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura.

Guarding the goal will be Zion Suzuki. Forming a strong defence will be a major factor for the Samurai Blue, where Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Shogo Taniguchi and Hiroki Ito are going to play a major role.

In the attacking front, Takefusa Kubo, Ayase Ueda and Daizen Maeda will have an important part to play.

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