Netherlands vs. Japan Picks – World Cup Group F Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jun 14) 

• When: Sunday, June 14, 2026. 4:00 PM ET
• Where: Dallas Stadium, USA
• How to Watch: FOX

Match Result	Odds
Netherlands	+102
The Draw	+268
Japan	+273

Netherlands vs. Japan World Cup Preview

A crucial matchup on matchday one in Group F is set for the World Cup on June 14, as the Netherlands and Japan collide. Both nations will have hopes of finishing top of the standings, but which team will seize control in Dallas, Texas?

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Netherlands Stats & Team News

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands have been flagged up by many experts as a potential dark horse contender at this year’s World Cup. The Oranje have lost in the final on three previous occasions, and they reached the quarterfinals back in 2022.

They achieved qualification after winning six of their eight fixtures, and showing excellent attacking output with 27 goals scored. The Netherlands are strong at both ends of the field, with a back four consisting of Virgil van Dijk, Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven, and Jan Paul van Hecke likely to rank among the strongest.

Donyell Malen could be their main scoring threat, with the striker netting 15 in 20 appearances during a loan stint with AS Roma.

Likely Lineup:

(4-3-3) Vebruggen (GK); Timber, van Dijk, van Hecke, van de Ven; de Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Koopmeiners, Malen, Depay

Japan Stats & Team News

Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan are also considered to be a dark horse hope at the World Cup this summer. The Samurai Blue cruised through qualification in the Asian region, winning 13 of their 16 fixtures.

Japan have reached the round of 16 in each of the last two editions of the World Cup. They have caught the eye in friendlies since October last year, beating Brazil, Ghana, and England.

Defensively, they have been extremely strong, keeping clean sheets in their previous five. Kaoru Mitoma has been ruled out of the World Cup, but this is Japan’s strongest squad in history.

Likely Lineup:

(4-3-3) Suzuki (GK); Sugawara, Itakura, Watanabe, Taniguchi; Endo, Tanaka, Doan; Kubo, Goto, Maeda

Head-to-Head Stats

• This is the first meeting between the nations since a 2-2 draw in November 2013.
• The Netherlands recorded a 1-0 win against Japan in the 2010 World Cup group stage.

Netherlands vs. Japan World Cup Picks

This is a fascinating opening night encounter in Group F between two very talented teams. Japan could produce a statement win, especially if they replicate the performance levels they showed in friendly victories against Brazil and England.

• Japan (+273)