Netherlands vs Japan - World Cup 2026 Betting Tips (14/06/2026)

This is an interesting early clash at World Cup 2026 and could give some indication of where which of these teams will win the group. Netherlands are favourites at 1.95 with bet365, while Japan are available at 3.50. The draw is priced at 3.80.

We expect a close and competitive game and believe the best bet for this one is for both teams to score in the match. Japan have won their last six friendly matches, including a high-scoring victory over Brazil and a hard-fought success against England at Wembley. It would be no surprise to see them go toe-to-toe with the Dutch here. The Netherlands have a talented crop of players and performed well in qualifying but they do offer the opposition chances.

Reasons to Follow this Bet

• Japan head into this fixture in fine form with six consecutive wins and unbeaten in seven.

• The Netherlands are a strong nation but aren't the most solid defensively.

• Both teams to score looks like a good bet given the attacking talent on display.

Netherlands vs Japan - Team News

The Netherlands have no major injury issues ahead of this fixture. Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen should lead their attack and be supported from midfield by Tijani Reijnders. A defence that features Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, and Jan Paul van Hecke gives them a solid foundation.

Japan don't have as many strong individuals as the Dutch but are a capable unit. Their biggest injury blow saw star winger Kaoru Mitoma miss the World Cup after a hmstring injury at the end of the Premier League season.

Netherlands vs Japan Line-ups

Netherlands: Verbruggen - Timber, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven - de Jong, Reijenders, Gravenberch - Malan, Gakpo, Depay.

Japan: Suzuki - Watanabe, Taniguchi, H Ito - J Ito, Ka Sano, Endo, Nakamura - Kubo, Kamada - Ueda.