The Netherlands face Japan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday 14 June 2026. The match pits one of Europe’s most consistent tournament sides against Asia’s leading football nation.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship and the first tournament co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first to feature an expanded 48-team field, divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed finishers advancing to a new Round of 32 knockout stage.
When is Netherlands vs Japan?
Kick-off is at 15:00 local time (CDT) on Sunday 14 June 2026. That is 16:00 ET on the US East Coast, 21:00 BST in the United Kingdom, 22:00 CEST in the Netherlands, and 05:00 JST on Monday 15 June in Japan.
Where is Netherlands vs Japan being played?
The match is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The stadium has a retractable roof, a capacity of around 80,000, and will host nine matches during the tournament, more than any other venue. A natural grass surface will be installed over the existing artificial pitch.
Key Contenders
The Netherlands qualified through UEFA and come in under head coach Ronald Koeman, who returned for a second spell in 2023. The squad is built around Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. Virgil van Dijk continues at the heart of defence. The Dutch reached the 2022 quarter-finals in Qatar and target at least the same here.
Japan qualified as the first AFC nation to book their place in the tournament under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. The Samurai Blue are built around Real Sociedad captain Takefusa Kubo, Liverpool forward Wataru Endo in midfield, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu in defence and Brighton striker Kaoru Mitoma. Japan memorably beat both Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage before losing to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16.
How to Watch Netherlands vs Japan
In the United Kingdom, the match is free-to-air on BBC or ITV with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, FOX carries English-language coverage with Telemundo handling Spanish. Dutch viewers can watch on NOS, and Japanese fans can follow on NHK and Fuji TV. FIFA+ provides streaming in selected markets.
History and Records
The Netherlands and Japan have met five times in international football, most recently a 1-0 Dutch friendly win in 2009. They have never played each other at a World Cup. The Netherlands are three-time World Cup finalists (1974, 1978, 2010) but have never lifted the trophy, while Japan’s best finish remains the Round of 16, reached four times.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold via FIFA’s official ticketing portal at fifa.com/tickets. Matches at AT&T Stadium have been among the highest-demand of the tournament. Hospitality packages remain available through On Location.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Netherlands vs Japan kick off?
At 15:00 CDT (16:00 ET) on Sunday 14 June 2026, which is 21:00 BST.
Where is Netherlands vs Japan being held?
At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
How can I watch Netherlands vs Japan?
BBC or ITV in the UK, FOX and Telemundo in the US, NOS in the Netherlands, NHK in Japan.
Have the Netherlands and Japan met at a World Cup before?
No. This is their first-ever World Cup meeting.