Netherlands starting lineup vs Japan confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
(Courtesy : Getty)
Netherlands take on Japan in their World Cup Group F opener tonight.
Netherlands begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an exciting clash against Asian powerhouses Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Oranje come into this tournament as inarguably the greatest side never to win the World Cup, and will look to rectify that fact in this year’s expanded 48-team edition.
Despite their recent revival under Ronald Koeman, including finishing as Euro 2024 semi-finalists, the Dutch barely scraped past Poland in their European qualifying campaign. A 1-0 defeat to Algeria in a warm-up friendly ended their 10-man unbeaten streak, and they followed it up with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Drawn in a competitive group also containing Tunisia and Sweden, Memphis Depay and company will look to get a positive result against an in-form Japanese side, heading into the contest on a six-game winning streak.
Also Read: Netherlands vs Japan: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the Netherlands confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Japan:
Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk (c), Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong; Crysencio Summerville, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo; Donyell Malen.
Substitutes: Mark Flekken (gk), Robin Roefs (gk), Jorrel Hato, Lutsharel Geertruida, Mats Wieffer, Nathan Ake, Justin Kluivert, Marten de Roon, Quinten Timber, Teun Koopmeiners, Brian Brobbey, Guus Til, Memphis Depay, Noa Lang, Wout Weghorst.
Thoughts on the lineup
Usual number one Bart Verbruggen suffered a hip injury in the warm-up friendly against Uzbekistan, but the Brighton custodian was declared fit and starts tonight’s match between the sticks.
Real Madrid’s rumoured new signing Denzel Dumfries starts at right-back. Jan Paul van Hecke and Virgil van Dijk will marshal the defence. Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, usually a centre-back, slots in at left-back.
Frenkie de Jong will anchor the midfield alongside Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch. Exciting youngster Crysencio Summerville starts on the right flank, with Tijjani Reijnders occupying the number 10 role. On the left will be Cody Gakpo, who scored three times in the 2022 edition.
Koeman opted for the in-form Donyell Malen up front, with the Roma forward scoring 14 goals in 18 Serie A matches since his January move. All-time top-scorer Memphis Depay will have to settle for a place on the bench, though he will surely come on at some stage in the second half for his 110th cap, overtaking Rafael van der Vaart’s record.
When is Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group F clash is scheduled for June 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In India, the match will kick off at 1:30 AM IST on June 15.
Where to watch the Netherlands vs Japan match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.