Netherlands XI vs Japan - Predicted lineup & team news for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Dutch side have come close to winning the World Cup many times.
The Netherlands are now looking to advance and win an elusive World Cup, given their history of making deep runs in the competition. The Dutch team have fallen short of clinching the trophy despite going all the way in the knockout stages.
After final losses in 1974, 1978, and 2010, they will make their 12th participation at FIFA’s premier competition. No other country has placed second as frequently without taking home the title as the Oranje.
Their first task will be to get to the knockout stages. History indicates that they should easily win Group F. Oranje have won 16 World Cup group matches since 1994.
Oranje’s most recent farewell match ended in defeat at De Kuip. Algeria halted their 10-match winning streak. This came after an unimpressive qualification campaign in which they barely defeated Poland.
Netherlands team news vs Japan
Ronald Koeman will have to make a crucial decision this weekend after first-choice custodian Bart Verbruggen suffered a hip injury during the Netherlands’ final World Cup warm-up.
Mark Flekken, a stopper for Bayer Leverkusen, would probably take his position if necessary. Meanwhile, Robin Roefs is another capable backup.
Key creator Xavi Simons and Matthijs de Ligt had already joined ACL casualty Jerdy Schouten on the sidelines. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber had previously been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
Two players will compete for the No. 9 role. Memphis Depay, their all-time greatest scorer, scored 12 goals during qualification. On the other hand, Donyell Malen’s explosive play for AS Roma has put him in the running as well.
Netherlands predicted XI vs Japan
Netherlands predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
When is the Netherlands game against Japan?
On 15th June, 1:30 am IST.
Which group are the Dutch in?
They are in Group F.
Who forms group F?
Apart from these two teams, we have Tunisia and Sweden.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
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.