Netherlands vs Japan confirmed line ups, betting tips and predictions: Blue Samurai to cause a World Cup shock?

The 2026 World Cup rolls on as Netherlands take on Japan in Dallas on Sunday night in what could be a thrilling encounter.

We have picked out tips and predictions for the match alongside confirmed starting XI’s for both sides.

Netherlands vs Japan confirmed lineups

Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen (GK); Dumfries, Van de Ven, Van Dijk (c), Van Hecke; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Summerville, Gakpo

Japan (3-4-2-1) Zion Suzuki (GK); Ito, Watanabe, Taniguchi; Kamada, Sano, Nakamura, Doan; Kubo, Maeda; Ueda

Netherlands vs Japan Betting Tips

• Japan to win and BTTS – 5/1 with BetMGM
• Gakpo to score anytime – 15/8 with Betfred
• Goal in both halves – 4/6 with BetMGM

Netherland vs Japan head to head overview

Netherlands vs Japan prediction

This could be one of the blockbuster matches of the group stages. Group F looks like it has genuine teeth.

Netherlands arrive as the highest-profile side in the section, the weight of a generation that reached the 2022 quarter-finals and the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Japan, ranked 18th by FIFA, are Asia’s form side and have already proven they can topple elite opponents. A win for either side in this opener sends an immediate signal of domination in the Group. A loss here and the qualification picture tightens from the off, with Sweden and Tunisia also in the mix.

Japan appear to be a coming force, they topped their 2022 group containing Germany and Spain. In more recent times beating England at Wembley Stadium back in March and are currently enjoying six match winning run, including a victory over Brazil late last year.

Kaoru Mitoma’s injury is a big blow, but the creative burden can be aptly taken on by Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan. A squad with real tactical intelligence and effective transitions. Their 3-4-2-1 pressing structure has unsettled far bigger names than the Netherlands.

Ronald Koeman’s side still possess a dangerous threat, but have been beset by injury to some key personnel including Xavi Simons, Mathijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber.

Donyell Malen is coming off the back his most fruitful season of his career, with 14 goals in 18 appearances at AS Roma. While Brian Brobbey has had an impressive debut Premier League campaign, leading the line for Sunderland as they qualified for the Europa League.

Netherlands vs Japan best bets

Japan prosper in this culture clash

Japan’s recent form, six wins from six including those stand out victories over England and Brazil,

Ayase Ueda’s 25-goal Eredivisie season gives Japan a clinical number nine, and if Netherlands are disrupted by their pressing game early, there is enough quality in the Japanese attack to convert one or maybe to openings.

Gakpo amongst the goals

Yes, both Brobbey and Malen will be dangerous but Liverpool forward Gakpo has been his nations’ most consistent threat. Having scored in three straight matches for the Oranje at the end of last year and bagging in their warm up match against Uzbekistan.

Plus with Memphis Depay managing a hamstring problem heading into the tournament, greater attacking responsibility falls to Gakpo as the side’s most reliable forward threat.

Japan’s defensive shape doesn’t give much away but their wide areas can be exposed by Gakpo’s unconventional attacking play.

Netherlands vs Japan latest odds

Find the latest Netherlands vs Japan betting odds here, odds courtesy of Betfred and are subject to change.

• Netherlands – 1/1
• Draw – 5/2
• Japan – 13/5

More World Cup predictions

Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the World Cup!

Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds, World Cup Match Previews and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Free Bet Offers

See all the best free bets and betting offers available in the UK over at our dedicated page

See all free bets

18+ gambleaware.org. T&Cs apply