Netherlands Aims to Maintain Undefeated Opening Match Record Against Japan in World Cup
Dallas. As they prepare to face Japan in the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands aims to preserve their excellent record in their opening match.
The two nations will begin their Group F journey on Monday morning at 1:45 AM at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Both teams are strong contenders to advance from this group.
Looking at history, Ronald Koeman's team can expect a strong start. The Netherlands is undefeated in their last nine opening matches in the World Cup, with seven wins and two draws.
The last time the Netherlands lost its opening match in the World Cup was in 1938, when the team was defeated 3-0 by Czechoslovakia.
Furthermore, the Netherlands is undefeated in their last 16 group stage matches in the World Cup. This streak, with 12 wins and four draws, is their longest unbeaten run to date.
Coincidentally, they last suffered a defeat in the group stage in America. In 1994, Belgium defeated them 1-0 in Orlando, Florida. Dick Advocaat, who managed Curaçao in that edition, was the head coach of the Netherlands at the time.
After failing to qualify in 2018, the Netherlands reached the quarterfinals four years ago. This will be their 12th World Cup appearance. The team has reached the final three times, in 1974, 1978, and 2010. They hold the record for the most runner-up finishes without ever winning the title.
Overall, the Netherlands has won 54.5 percent of their World Cup matches (30 wins out of 55). As of before the start of the 2026 World Cup, only Brazil (66.7 percent) and Germany (60.7 percent) have a higher win percentage in the tournament's history. Additionally, the team needs just four more goals to reach 100 goals in the World Cup.
Koeman is leading the team on a major stage like the World Cup for the first time. This will be his second major tournament after Euro 2024. As a player, he represented the Netherlands in two World Cups, in 1990 and 1994.
Memphis Depay is expected to be one of the team's main weapons again this time. The forward was the country's top scorer in the qualifiers (eight goals) and joint top assist provider (four assists).
Japan, which defeated both Germany and Spain in Qatar four years ago, will be looking for another impressive victory in the group stage this time.
Japan, known as the 'Samurai Blue', has won their opening match in their last two World Cup appearances. In 2018, they defeated Colombia 2-1, and four years ago, they achieved a similar victory against Germany.
However, Japan has never advanced beyond the Round of 16. They hold the unwanted record of playing the most World Cup matches (25) without reaching the quarterfinals.
This will be their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. This is the second-longest streak for an Asian nation, following South Korea's continuous participation in 11 World Cups.
Hajime Moriyasu's team scored the most goals in the AFC qualifiers. The team registered 51 goals (excluding three goals awarded in a 3-0 win against North Korea).
Apart from the host nations, Japan was the first team to qualify for this tournament. In the qualifiers, they had more players involved in over 10 goals than any other AFC team, including Takefusa Kubo (12 - four goals, eight assists), Junya Ito (11 - one goal, 10 assists), and Ayase Ueda (10 - eight goals, two assists).
Yuto Nagatomo, still playing excellently at the age of 39, could make history by becoming the first Asian player to participate in five World Cups.
FIFA World Cup Journey
- Netherlands' North America Journey
The Netherlands secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with an undefeated and impressive performance in UEFA qualifying Group G. The Dutch team dominated their group, which included Poland, Finland, Malta, and Lithuania, from the outset. Under Ronald Koeman's steady guidance, the team accumulated 20 points out of a possible 24. They completed their qualification journey with six wins and two draws.
The highlight of their qualification campaign was their sharp attack and solid defense. The team conceded only four goals in eight matches. Striker Memphis Depay led the forward line exceptionally, becoming the group's top scorer with eight goals. Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen also contributed four goals each.
The final matches of the autumn of 2025 proved decisive for them. After a 1-1 draw with a competitive Poland in Warsaw, the Netherlands defeated Lithuania 4-0 back in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena. This victory secured their top spot in the group and a direct ticket to the tournament.
- Japan's Excellent Qualification Journey
In stark contrast to the tough competition in the European groups, Japan secured their ticket with an outstanding and aggressive performance in the Asian qualifying cycle. Under Hajime Moriyasu's long and astute leadership, Japan easily navigated the initial group stage of the AFC qualifiers. They displayed strategic dominance over their regional opponents, conceding no goals in defense.
The true development of this Japanese generation was evident in the extended AFC third-round campaign. Facing highly competitive teams and difficult away environments, Japan showed immense strategic flexibility. They seamlessly balanced a high-pressing game with lethal counter-attacks.
With the creativity of star players playing in Europe, the Japanese national team had a brilliant and undefeated journey in most of their qualifying matches. Their decisive success came in a high-pressure away game against a defensive team within the continent. Amidst intense pressure from local supporters, Japan defeated their opponents in the second half, demonstrating excellent collective discipline and patience. This crucial victory secured their place in the top two of the standings and guaranteed their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
- Netherlands and Japan Head-to-Head
This Group F clash marks the second World Cup encounter between these two nations. They previously met in the group stage in 2010. Wesley Sneijder's lone goal secured a 1-0 victory for the Netherlands. In that edition, the Netherlands reached the final and was defeated by Spain. Overall, the two countries have competed three times, with Japan yet to secure a win (two losses and one draw).
However, Japan has been undefeated in regular time against European nations in the last World Cup. After defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage, the team was eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16. The match had ended 1-1 after extra time.
- 26-Man World Cup Squad
Netherlands Squad
- Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs.
- Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven, Jurriën Timber, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jorrel Hato.
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer, Guus Til.
- Forwards: Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Wout Weghorst, Justin Kluivert, Noah Lang, Xavi Simons.
Japan Squad
- Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa, Keisuke Osako, Zion Suzuki.
- Defenders: Kō Itakura, Hiroki Itō, Yuto Nagatomo, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki, Shōgo Taniguchi, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Tsuyoshi Watanabe.
- Midfielders: Ritsu Dōan, Wataru Endō, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo, Keito Nakamura, Kaishu Sano, Ao Tanaka.
- Forwards: Keisuke Goto, Daizen Maeda, Kōki Ogawa, Kento Shioagai, Yuiito Suzuki, Ayase Ueda.
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
