PREVIEW: Japan prepare for tasty clash World Cup clash with the Netherlands

Japan kick off their World Cup campaign against Group F opponents the Netherlands when the sides meet for the first time in over a decade on Friday evening in Dallas.

It’s dubbed to be one of the most intriguing group stages clashes at the 2026 World Cup, one that hasn’t been seen since 2013, with a red hot Japan facing off against one of Europe’s best sides in Ronald Koeman’s side.

The Dutch head into the tournament off the back of a successful European Championship campaign, reaching the semi-finals only to be knocked out by England , yet Japan could take advantage of some flaws that arose before the tournament.

Draws with Poland and Ecuador and losing to Algeria in their pre-World Cup friendlies matches has exposed their vulnerability to get hit on the break and inefficiency against teams who are notoriously tough to break down.

This is the epitome of what Hajime Moriyasu’s side have been all about in the build up to a seventh consecutive appearance, with impressive victories in the build up to this game over Brazil and Ghana .

Japan also became the first ever Asian side to beat England , winning 1-0 at Wembley in March when Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma rounded off a ruthless counter attack to make history for the Blue Warriors.

But Japan have never beaten the Netherlands, losing a friendly match in the lead up to their 1-0 group stage defeat to the Dutch at the 2010 World Cup courtesy of a 53rd-minute striker from retired great Wesley Sneijder .

It is just the form they need to carry into the tournament if they are to go through to the knockouts and potentially beyond the round of 16 for the first time in their history as a World Cup nation.