Japan Aims for Upset Against Netherlands in World Cup Opener

Japan prepares to clash with the Netherlands in Dallas, seeking to make a significant statement on the first day of Group F. The Samurai Blue are entering their eighth consecutive World Cup with impressive momentum, having secured six straight victories, including notable wins against both Brazil and England. Their ambition this tournament is to progress past the Round of 16 for the first time in history, utilizing a dynamic 3-4-2-1 pressing strategy to unsettle the Dutch side.

However, Japan's preparations have been severely impacted by a late selection crisis. Captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the squad just three days before the match, announcing his immediate retirement from international football. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder had been dealing with a foot injury since February, which required surgery. Although Endo initially made the 26-man roster after showing signs of recovery, he experienced significant discomfort during a warm-up match against Iceland, lasting only a half.

In addition to Endo's exit, Japan will also be without star winger Kaoru Mitoma, who scored the decisive goal against England before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the tournament. The absence of Mitoma diminishes Japan's attacking prowess on the left side, and they will also miss former Monaco forward Takumi Minamino, further limiting their goal-scoring options.

To fill the void left by Endo, coach Hajime Moriyasu is expected to start seasoned midfielder Ao Tanaka, who will partner with the energetic Daiki Sano in the center of the field. The defensive lineup will consist of Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, and Shogo Taniguchi, providing a sturdy backline. Offensively, Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan will be tasked with creating opportunities against a formidable Dutch defense, while Ayase Ueda, coming off a prolific season with 25 goals in 31 Eredivisie games for Feyenoord, will lead the attack.

The anticipated match at AT&T Stadium is set to kick off at 21:00 BST on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Fans in the UK can catch the action live on ITV1 and BBC One, while viewers in the United States can watch on Fox Sports.