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Check out the Netherlands vs Japan starting line-up tonight!

The Netherlands, three-time World Cup finalists, will face Asian powerhouse Japan in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The clash takes place today, Monday, 15 June 2026, at 03:00 WIB at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA.

The Netherlands have never won the FIFA World Cup despite reaching the final three times — the most by any team yet to lift the trophy — losing on each of those occasions.

Ranked eighth in the world by FIFA ahead of the 2026 tournament, the Dutch side have been widely tipped as a potential contender to finally break their World Cup curse.

However, they must first overcome Japan, currently ranked 18th in the world.

In the 2022 World Cup, Japan shocked the world by defeating both Spain and Germany during the group stage.

Nicknamed the Blue Samurai, the Japanese squad is no stranger to facing stronger opponents on the global stage.

Predicted Line-up: Netherlands vs Japan

Netherlands

(4-3-3): 1. Verbruggen (GK), 15. Van de Ven, 4. Van Dijk, 6. Van Hecke, 22. Dumfries, 8. Gravenberch, 14. Reijnders, 21. De Jong, 24. Summerville, 18. Malen, 11. Gakpo.

Injured: Timber (groin), De Ligt (back), Simons (ACL)

Japan

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Suzuki (GK) — 15. Tomiyasu, 22. Yoshida, 4. Itakura — 10. Doan, 6. Endo, 7. Tanaka, 13. Nakamura — 8. Kubo, 18. Ueda, 14. Ito.

Injured: Mitoma (hamstring), Endo (foot).

Live Score: Netherlands vs Japan

2026 FIFA World Cup Live Score

Head-to-Head: Netherlands vs Japan

5 September 2009: Netherlands 3-0 Japan (International Friendly)

19 June 2010: Netherlands 1-0 Japan (FIFA World Cup)

16 November 2013: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (International Friendly)

West Kalimantan Governor Hopes Asian Teams Will Compete Strongly

The Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, expressed hope that Asian nations will be able to compete strongly against European and South American teams at the 2026 World Cup.

“I also support Asian countries participating in the World Cup, such as South Korea, Japan, Iran, and Iraq. I hope they can deliver surprises and prove that Asian football is progressing rapidly,” Norsan said after playing football with residents in Temajuk Village, Paloh District, Sambas Regency, on Saturday afternoon, 13 June 2026.

Norsan noted that Asian football has seen notable progress in recent years.

On the other hand, he remarked that France remains one of the strongest teams in the world, with great quality and tradition, making them worthy contenders for the championship.

“Personally, I support France to win the 2026 World Cup. They have a roster of top-quality players and consistently perform well in major tournaments,” Norsan added.

Nevertheless, the West Kalimantan Governor reaffirmed his full support for all Asian nations that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

2026 FIFA World Cup Results

Live Score: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Results: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Standings: 2026 FIFA World Cup