World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Japan Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this was published.

Group F gets going with Netherlands against Japan on Sunday June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with the game starting at 22:00 CAT. Ronald Koeman's Netherlands go in as favourites, but Japan are flying, having won six friendlies in a row, including wins against Brazil and England. Our dedicated section has all our World Cup betting tips.

Netherlands

Netherlands come into the World Cup with some big worries: Xavi Simons will miss the whole tournament after tearing his ACL in April, Jurrien Timber is still out with an ankle problem, and Memphis Depay has been selected despite playing little at Corinthians because of a hamstring injury. As I see it, Koeman will rely on the backbone of Van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo to run this match, with Tijjani Reijnders pulling the strings in midfield. I see the Dutch having the upper hand territorially, though Japan's pressing could cause them some awkward spells. If they stay patient, one good finish from Depay or Gakpo might be all they need.

Probable Lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay.

Japan

Hajime Moriyasu's Japan could well be the surprise package of the tournament, having beaten Brazil, England, Scotland, Ghana, Bolivia and Iceland in friendlies over the past eight months. I think Moriyasu's 3-4-3, with Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura in attack, can hurt any back line. Kaoru Mitoma is missing, which blunts their left side a little, but Yuto Nagatomo will become the first Asian player to appear at five World Cups and adds priceless experience. I see Japan testing the Dutch properly and creating lots of openings.

Probable Lineup: Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Itakura; Y. Suzuki, Endo, Tanaka, Kamada; Nakamura, Doan, Kubo.

Netherlands have the stronger squad and the big tournament experience to edge a tight opener, but Japan's form makes an easy win unlikely. I see a fast paced match with goals at both ends, and Depay or Gakpo proving the difference. My forecast: Netherlands 2 Japan 1.

BTTS: Yes at 1.76

My pick is BTTS: Yes, and the reasoning is simple: Japan scored in all six of those friendly wins, and the Dutch back line looks a bit more exposed without Timber. Doan and Kubo will get opportunities on the break, and Depay or Gakpo should score at the other end. At 1.76 this is the best value available.