Netherlands vs Japan: Top five youngsters to watch during FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Both the Netherlands and Japan will be hungry to get their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2026

The Netherlands are probably the biggest European footballing nation to not have won the FIFA World Cup. They have been runner-ups three times, falling at the last hurdle.

Japan, on the other hand, has performed brilliantly in the last two FIFA World Cups. The Samurai’s beat Germany and Spain in 2022 and were eliminated on penalties by Croatia.

Both nations will be hungry to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a win, and here are five youngsters who can help their respective teams get the result.

Also Read: Top seven youngest players in FIFA World Cup history ft. Eto’o & Mora

Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands)

The 24-year-old was part of West Ham United’s squad in the 2025-26 season, and he scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in 34 games. Crysencio Summerville can play on either wings and can even slot in as a centre-forward if the need be.

The winger has been part of the Netherlands’ youth teams, representing them from U-17 to U-21. Aside from West Ham, Summerville has also played for Leeds United, ADO Den Haag, and FC Dordrecht previously.

Keisuke Goto (Japan)

The 21-year-old had a decent season with St Truiden in Belgium, bagging 12 goals and providing 8 assists in 40 games. Owing to a brilliant campaign, Keisuke Goto also secured a transfer to Freiburg and will be playing in the Bundesliga next season.

While Goto might not start, as Ayase Ueda is expected to lead the attack for Japan against the Netherlands, the youngster will surely come on as a substitute in the second half to help the Japanese football team’s chances.

Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)

Ryan Gravenberch was one of the better players for Liverpool in the 2025-26 season, as the Reds finished trophyless. The 24-year-old is mainly a defensive midfielder who likes to carry the ball, take the odd shot, and set up his teammates.

Gravenberch has made 27 appearances for the Netherlands national football team and has experience playing for world-class clubs like Ajax Amsterdam and Bayern Munich, in addition to his current stint in England.

Takefusa Kubo (Japan)

Probably one of the biggest names in the Japanese ranks at the moment, Takeusa Kubo has 7 goals in 49 appearances for his national team. Kubo, who was in Real Madrid’s books early on in his career, has gone on to become a regular at Real Sociedad and has already made 164 appearances for the LaLiga side.

This will be the 25-year-old’s second World Cup campaign, and we can expect a more mature player to step onto the pitch at the global event. Kubo’s versatility will further help Japan as he can play on the wings and in the midfield, as required by his coach.

Micky Van de Ven (Netherlands)

The Tottenham Hotspur player is an imposing figure, standing at 6’4” in height, and has 21 international appearances to his name. Van de Ven can play as the left-back and the centre-back for Ronald Koeman’s side, giving his coach the flexibility to alter his tactics midgame.

The 25-year-old played 45 games for Spurs last season, scoring 7 goals. His goal-scoring abilities, especially from set pieces, would further help Holland, especially against teams like Japan.

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