Netherlands face in-form Japan in Group F opener in Dallas

TDT | Manama

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The Netherlands and Japan begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaigns tonight when they meet at Dallas Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11pm Bahrain time.

Both sides are drawn into a competitive group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia, where a top-two finish is required to secure progression to the knockout stages.

The Netherlands arrive with high expectations as they pursue a first World Cup title, having finished runners-up three times in 1974, 1978 and 2010. This marks their 12th appearance at the tournament, and they remain unbeaten in 16 World Cup group-stage matches dating back to 1994.

Ronald Koeman’s side enjoyed a strong recent tournament cycle, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the quarter-finals of both the 2022 World Cup and 2025 Nations League. However, preparations have been mixed, including a defeat to Algeria and a narrow behind-closed-doors win over Uzbekistan, decided by two Cody Gakpo penalties.

Japan, meanwhile, arrive in excellent form and high on confidence after six consecutive wins, including statement friendly victories over Brazil and England. Hajime Moriyasu’s team also dominated Asian qualifying, scoring 54 goals and conceding just three as they became the first non-host nation to secure a World Cup place.

The Samurai Blue are making their eighth straight World Cup appearance but are still chasing a first quarter-final, having fallen in the round of 16 on every occasion, including a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in 2022 after memorable group-stage wins over Germany and Spain.

The two sides last met at a World Cup in 2010, when the Netherlands won 1–0. Both enter tonight’s clash in strong form and will view the opener as a key early test in Group F.