World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Japan and Netherlands share Group F at the 2026 World Cup and meet in the group stage. Both sides are fighting to reach the knockouts. On the FIFA ranking, Netherlands are the favourite — a 10-place gap.
Japan - Netherlands will be played on Tuesday 23rd June 2026 at 15:00 ET in MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (New York/New Jersey). ⏳ Date subject to confirmation.
| Japan 🇯🇵 | Metric | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| #17 | FIFA Ranking | #7 |
| Group F | Group | Group F |
| AFC | Confederation | UEFA |
| Hajime Moriyasu | Head coach | Ronald Koeman |
| 7 | WC appearances | 12 |
| Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) | Best WC | Runner-up (1974, 1978, 2010) |
Underestimate Japan at your peril. At the 2022 World Cup they eliminated both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) from their group with tactically brilliant counter-attacking football. The current squad plays mostly in Europe's top leagues: Mitoma (Brighton), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Endo (Liverpool — 2025 Premier League champions). In Group F, the Netherlands are the nominal favourite, but they should be warned: Japan's pressing is relentless and their set pieces are world-class. Against Sweden and Tunisia, Japan are the favourites. Beyond the group stage, a Round of 16 spot is realistic; a quarter-final would be their best ever World Cup. Japan's football revolution rolls on.
The Netherlands enter the World Cup as a stealth contender — not among the absolute favourites, but dangerous to anyone they meet. Van Dijk is the spine, the gear-shift comes from Xavi Simons and Gakpo, and Frenkie de Jong dictates the midfield when fit. Koeman's biggest headache: who scores the goals if Depay can't last the tournament? In Group F, Japan is a dangerous number two — that team beat both Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup. Historically, the Oranje overperform their FIFA ranking at World Cups; a semi-final is realistic, and a fourth lost final would be painfully fitting.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this group-stage match.
Start predicting →Yes — Japan and Netherlands meet in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup (Group F).
On the FIFA world ranking, Netherlands (#7) are favoured over Japan (#17). The gap is 10 ranking places.
Japan: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) (7 World Cup appearances). Netherlands: Runner-up (1974, 1978, 2010) (12 World Cup appearances).
Japan are coached by Hajime Moriyasu. Netherlands are coached by Ronald Koeman.
Japan play in Group F. Netherlands play in Group F.
Last updated: 2026-06-07