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An intriguing World Cup clash in Group F awaits at the AT&T Stadium on Sunday night as eighth-ranked in the world the Netherlands take on dark horses Japan.
The Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals without ever winning it, and will be hoping this time is their turn to shine.
Meanwhile, Japan have impressed in friendlies leading up to the tournament, beating the likes of Brazil and England, and so could spring another upset here.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Netherlands vs. Japan key stats
- Netherlands have won just once in three games (D1, L1).
- Japan are on a six-match winning streak.
- The previous three H2Hs have produced eight goals in total.
Netherlands vs. Japan preview: Samurai Blue to upset the Dutch?
| Netherlands | vs | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | FIFA Ranking | 18 |
| Memphis Depay (109) | Most Caps | Yuto Nagatomo (145) |
| Memphis Depay (55) | Most Goals | Ayase Ueda (16) |
| 861 | Total Caps | 796 |
| 153 | Total Goals | 110 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
The Netherlands are perhaps the biggest and best nation never to have won the World Cup, having finished as runners-up on three occasions.
Dutch legend Ronald Koeman is hoping to put that right with a talented squad that are especially strong in defence, with Virgil van Dijk still among the best centre-backs in world football and accompanied by Premier League stars like Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke.
However, Jurrien Timber, part of an elite Arsenal defence, had to withdraw with injury which is a big blow, while first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen also suffered a setback in the Netherlands' last warm-up game.
That was a narrow 2-1 win against Uzbekistan, and with a defeat and draw against Algeria and Ecuador respectively coming directly before that, Japan may fancy their chances of causing an upset.
The Samurai Blue are ranked 10 places below their opponents in the world rankings (18th), but have beaten nations ranked above them in friendlies leading up to the tournament.
In fact, they have won six in a row heading into this clash, so simply cannot be underestimated.
Japan have reached the knockouts at the previous two World Cups, and will be expecting to do so again in what is somewhat of a competitive group that also contains Sweden and Tunisia.
Unfortunately though, key player Wataru Endo has had to pull out of the squad through injury and has since retired from international football, while Japan have never beaten the Netherlands in three previous attempts (D1, L2), so Hajime Moriyasu's side have a chance to make history here.
Netherlands vs. Japan form guide & betting tips
| Netherlands | vs | Japan |
|---|---|---|
WWDLW |
Form | WWWWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 8 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 0 |
N/A |
World Cup 2026 | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Netherlands 1-2 Japan
Netherlands are 21/20 (2.05) favourites to win, but given Japan's winning form and ability to beat the higher-ranked nations, we are willing to go against the bookies here.
As such, Japan to win at 29/10 (3.90) offers great value.
BTTS – Yes at 5/6 (1.83) also appeals, with it coming through in three of the Netherlands' last four games.
In terms of playing betting, Ayase Ueda could be one to watch as he was involved in 10 goals in qualifying for Japan (G8, A2).
Ueda to score or assist at 2/1 (3.00) is therefore our final punt.
> BTTS – Yes at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Probable
> Ueda to score or assist at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> Japan to win at 29/10 (3.90) | Likelihood: Outsider