Netherlands and Japan meet in Dallas for their World Cup 2026 opener and the first Group F fixture.

In a group also featuring Sweden and Tunisia, both sides are seeking a top-two finish, which will guarantee progress through to the knockout phase.

After reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024, plus the quarters of both the most recent World Cup and UEFA Nations League, the Netherlands are now aiming to go further and secure an elusive global title.

Set for their 12th appearance at FIFA's top tournament, no other nation has finished runner-up as often without winning the trophy, following final defeats in 1974, 1978 and then 2010.

Prior to their recent run of matches, they had been near perfect heading into the World Cup. However, a draw to Ecuador in March is viewed as far from ideal, despite the South Americans’ tough defence. While a defeat to Algeria in their warm-up friendlies is not what they needed, as they hope to give this tournament a real run.

With a squad packed with players competing at the highest level of European football, the Netherlands will look to justify its status as one of the favorites and begin the 2026 World Cup with three points against a Japanese side capable of challenging any opponent.

Predicted Line-up : Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijani Reijnders; Crysencio Summerville (or Memphis Depay), Donyell Malen, and Cody Gakpo.

Japan

Meanwhile, a dominant force in Asia, Japan are heading into their eighth consecutive World Cup, however, they have never progressed beyond the last 16, even on home turf in 2002.

Ranked 18th in the world, just 10 places below their opening opponents, Hajime Moriyasu's side arrive in a superb vein of form, having won six straight friendlies.

Beating Brazil and England along the way, Samurai Blue have built some serious momentum, after striding through the World Cup qualifiers in style.

Plundering 54 goals, Japan scored more than any other nation in AFC qualifying and were the first team to join the three tournament co-hosts.

Furthermore, they conceded only three times in the process, underlining the structure and cohesion that has raised hopes of a deep run this summer.

Japan excelled against elite European opposition at Qatar 2022, beating both Germany and Spain in the group stage before drawing with Croatia and suffering a particularly cruel exit on penalties.

Now, they will meet the Netherlands at a World Cup finals for just the second time, following a 1-0 defeat in 2010.

With a solid foundation, players established in Europe, and a clearly defined playing identity, Japan will aim to begin its World Cup campaign with a strong performance against the Netherlands and take another step forward in its evolution on the international stage.

Predicted Line-up: Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Itakura; Doan, Tanaka, Seko, Nakamura; Kubo, Ito; Ueda