Netherlands vs Japan: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

The Netherlands are currently ranked 8th in FIFA global rankings.

From trailing 2-0 until the 83rd minute, to fighting back to make it 2-2 before going down to ten men and eventually losing on penalties, the Netherlands threw everything they had at Argentina in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite their spirited comeback, they were ultimately eliminated by the eventual champions.

Now, the Dutch return to World Cup action with a different man at the helm. Ronald Koeman takes charge this time around after Louis van Gaal led the team in the previous edition. Their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign begins against Japan at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, USA, on June 14.

The Netherlands will be aiming to go all the way and lift the trophy, but they face a tricky opening fixture against a Japanese side known for causing major upsets. Japan stunned both Spain and Germany in the previous World Cup and will once again be looking to trouble one of Europe’s elite nations.

Here are five key battles that could determine the outcome of the contest.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Match Timings & Where to Watch

5. Cody Gakpo vs Takehiro Tomiyasu

Cody Gakpo will be one of the Netherlands’ biggest attacking threats. The Liverpool winger has scored 21 goals in 50 appearances for the national team, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the current squad. He also arrives at the tournament in good form after scoring a brace against Uzbekistan in the Netherlands’ final friendly before the World Cup.

Known for cutting inside and attacking dangerous areas, Gakpo’s movement towards the far post makes him a constant threat. He is expected to come up against Takehiro Tomiyasu, whether at right-back or as the right-sided centre-back. Tomiyasu’s physical strength, aerial ability and excellent one-versus-one defending will be crucial if Japan are to keep Gakpo quiet.

4. Frenkie De Jong vs Ao Tanaka

Another fascinating battle when these sides take the field will take place in midfield between Frenkie de Jong and Ao Tanaka.

De Jong is regarded as one of Europe’s elite midfielders in ball progression and ball retention, while Tanaka brings relentless energy, intensity and pressing ability. The Japanese midfielder excels at winning possession high up the pitch and turning recoveries into quick transitions, whereas De Jong rarely loses the ball even under heavy pressure. It promises to be an intriguing battle, with De Jong also needing to be mindful of Tanaka’s tendency to make late runs into the penalty area and score goals.

3. Denzel Dumfries vs Keito Nakamura

Japan could opt for a back-three system with wingbacks providing the width, and one of the key attacking threats in that setup is expected to be Keito Nakamura, playing as a left midfielder or left wingback. The winger, who currently plays for Reims, enjoyed an impressive season with 14 goals and is known for his direct running and clinical finishing.

He will likely find himself up against Denzel Dumfries, one of the most attack-minded full-backs in world football. Dumfries’ relentless overlapping runs and dangerous deliveries make him a consistent attacking outlet, but his advanced positioning can sometimes leave space behind him. While Dumfries may hold the advantage physically, Nakamura’s trickery and directness could make this a fascinating battle.

2. Virgil Van Dijk vs Ayase Ueda

Virgil van Dijk, one of the best old-school centre-backs in world football, will face a striker whose strengths mirror many of his own. Ayase Ueda is often described as a classic number nine due to his ability to engage defenders, attack crosses and finish his chances inside the penalty area. Fresh from winning the Eredivisie Golden Boot in the 2025/26 season, Ueda enters the tournament in outstanding form.

Van Dijk’s aerial dominance, positioning, and man-marking ability will be tested against a striker who thrives on intelligent movement and clinical finishing. This promises to be one of the game’s most tactical and intriguing contests.

1. Memphis Depay vs Ko Itakura

Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer with 49 international goals, will be hoping to reach the half-century mark against Japan. Standing in his way will be Ko Itakura, one of Japan’s most reliable defenders.

A composed ball-playing centre-back, Itakura excels at reading the game, making interceptions and anticipating danger before it develops. Those qualities will be especially important against a forward like Depay, who often drops deep or drifts into wider areas rather than attacking crosses inside the penalty box. Depay’s movement could drag Itakura out of position and create spaces for players like Gakpo to exploit, making this battle one of the key tactical aspects of the match.

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