Netherlands vs Japan Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

June 14th, 2026 at the AT&T Stadium for the Netherlands vs Japan World Cup clash at 21:00 UK time. It’s the first Group F game for both sides, and we’ll be getting into team news, possible lineups, and how these two match up.

Netherlands vs Japan Team News

Let’s start with the Netherlands. Ronald Koeman is back in charge, and this squad feels very structured. Built from the back. Koeman knows tournament football inside out. He leans on experience but isn’t afraid to trust players who perform at club level.

At the heart of everything is Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. He remains one of the most commanding centre-backs in the world, and he’s backed up by plenty of quality. Matthijs de Ligt at Manchester United, Nathan Aké at Manchester City and Jurrien Timber at Arsenal give the Netherlands serious depth at the back. That blend of Premier League experience and defensive strength could prove vital.

Further forward, Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, will be key and is usually the man trusted from the penalty spot. Cody Gakpo adds a threat from wide areas, while creative midfielders like Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona and Xavi Simons bring control and creativity, with Simons often stepping up over free kicks in dangerous areas.

Japan come into this with a very different energy. Hajime Moriyasu, managing his second World Cup, has built a squad based around players who understand his system.

Wataru Endo for Liverpool captains the side. Takefusa Kubo is the spark. Still only in his mid-20s, playing in La Liga with Real Sociedad, and capable of changing a match in seconds. Ritsu Doan, with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, offers goals and relentless pressing.

Likely Lineups Netherlands vs Japan

The Netherlands should line up in a familiar 4-3-3. A strong back four, a midfield built around de Jong’s control, and pace out wide through Gakpo and Malen.

Japan are likely to go with a flexible 4-2-3-1 that shifts when needed. Endo anchors the midfield. Kamada floats between the lines. Kubo drifts inside from the right. It’s fluid, and that’s what makes them dangerous.

Netherlands vs Japan Betting Tips

World Cup openers often start cautiously, but Japan don’t really do passive football anymore. The Netherlands though, are happy to stay patient and wait for mistakes.

Netherlands vs Japan Match Prediction

I think the Netherlands dominate possession, slow things down when needed, and look to exploit wide spaces. Japan will press in bursts, trying to force errors and spring quick attacks through Kubo and Doan.

The Dutch defence gives them an edge, but Japan’s organisation keeps them firmly in the game. Expect long spells of limited action, punctuated by sudden bursts of danger at both ends. Overall, the Netherlands’ quality makes it hard to see them dropping points.

Match Prediction: Netherlands to win. Bet with bet365.

Netherlands vs Japan Correct Score Tips

Picking a score here isn’t straightforward. One side relies on defensive solidity, the other thrives on key moments. A narrow margin feels likely. Our correct score prediction is 2-0 to the Netherlands, reflecting both their attacking quality and defensive strength.

Correct Score Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Japan. Bet with bet365.

Netherlands vs Japan Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

Don’t expect a goal fest. Opening group matches rarely explode unless something goes wrong early. Both managers will prioritise shape and discipline. That points towards a lower-scoring game, especially in the first half. If a goal comes, it probably changes the dynamic fast.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Netherlands vs Japan Bet Builder Tip

Think simple combinations. Netherlands to win, but not by a long shot. These teams don’t give much away for free, so builders that respect that balance tend to make more sense than chasing big swings. 

Bet Builder Tip: Netherlands to win, under 3.5 goals, and Cody Gakpo to score or assist. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• This is the first Group F match for both teams

• Netherlands arrive with a defence stacked with Premier League experience

• Japan’s squad features players from England, Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands

• Both managers are at their second World Cup in charge

• • bet365

    

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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

Who will win between Netherlands and Japan?

The Netherlands look slightly stronger on paper, but Japan are more than capable of taking something from this game.

What time is the Netherlands vs Japan match?

Kick-off is at 21:00 UK time.

Where is the Netherlands vs Japan game being played?

The match takes place at AT&T Stadium in the United States.

What competition is this match part of?