The Netherlands begin another pursuit of their first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph when they face Japan in a fascinating opening clash between one of football’s most consistent tournament performers and a side that has developed a reputation for upsetting Europe’s elite.
Only two nations boast a better World Cup win percentage than the Dutch, but despite their remarkable history, the Oranje remain the tournament’s greatest underachievers: three-time finalists who have never lifted the famous trophy.
Standing in their way is a confident Japan side arriving with momentum, belief, and a growing reputation as one of international football’s most dangerous dark horses.
Netherlands Chase Elusive World Cup Glory
The Netherlands have come closer than almost any nation to winning the World Cup without actually becoming champions.
They have reached the final three times, in 1974, 1978, and 2010, losing each time, leaving them with the unwanted record of the most final defeats without a title.
Now, under the guidance of former Oranje star Ronald Koeman, the Dutch are aiming to finally end decades of heartbreak.
Their qualifying campaign offered plenty of encouragement, with the Netherlands going unbeaten across eight matches, winning six and drawing two while scoring 27 goals and conceding only four.
History also suggests they are fast starters at the World Cup, having not lost their opening match at the finals since 1938, recording seven victories and two draws since then.
The Netherlands also boast the longest active unbeaten run in the World Cup group stage, going 16 matches without defeat since 1994, with 12 wins and four draws.
Japan Arrive as Confident Dark Horses
Japan were the first nation to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and the Samurai Blue have continued their excellent form since then.
They enter the tournament having won each of their last six friendly matches, including impressive victories over football giants Brazil (3-2) and England (1-0).
This will be Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, underlining their remarkable consistency on the global stage.
However, they are still searching for a historic breakthrough, having played more World Cup matches without reaching the quarter-finals than any other nation, with 25 appearances across the competition.
Their recent tournament performances provide plenty of optimism.
Japan won their last two World Cup opening games and produced one of the biggest stories of the 2022 tournament by defeating both Spain and Germany in the group stage.
They also remained unbeaten against European opposition during the 2022 finals, winning twice and drawing once.
Netherlands Hold Historical Advantage
Japan have never defeated the Netherlands, with the Dutch winning two of their three previous meetings and one match ending in a draw.
Their most memorable encounter came at the 2010 World Cup, when the Netherlands defeated Japan 1-0 in the group stage before eventually reaching the final.
However, Japan’s recent record against top European opponents suggests they will not be intimidated by the occasion.
Key Players to Watch
The Netherlands will rely heavily on veteran forward Memphis Depay, one of the country’s all-time leading scorers.
Depay has scored three goals at World Cup finals and was the Oranje’s leading scorer during qualifying with eight goals, while also providing four assists.
Japan’s attacking threat comes through Ayase Ueda, who was directly involved in ten goals during qualifying, scoring eight and assisting two.
Ueda also carries an impressive personal record, having not been on the losing side in an international appearance since February 2024, winning 12 and drawing three matches in that period.
The Netherlands have suffered defensive setbacks ahead of the opener, with Jurrien Timber ruled out of the tournament and first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen picking up an injury in their final warm-up match.
Japan will also be without experienced midfielder Wataru Endo, who withdrew from the squad and subsequently announced his international retirement.
Numbers That Matter
- The Netherlands need four more goals to reach 100 World Cup finals goals.
- The Netherlands have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last four matches.
- Japan have won seven of their last eight victories with a clean sheet, including each of their last five wins.
- Seven of Japan’s last nine World Cup matches have seen both teams score.
- Japan have won their last two World Cup opening matches.
- Japan defeated both Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup.
Kick off is set for 11 pm on Sunday evening.
