World Cup Day 4: Netherlands vs Japan, Curacao debut, prediction, schedule

Day four of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has a lot in store for fans.

The headline event on Sunday is the Netherlands vs Japan group match: a clash of the three-time runners-up and one of the strongest Asian teams.

We will also witness history being made as Curacao become the smallest-ever nation to play at the World Cup, when they begin their tournament by facing Germany.

Ecuador – counted among the tournament’s darkhorses – are also in action, facing Ivory Coast, while Sweden face Tunisia as they return after missing the last edition.

Away from the football, basketball fever engulfed New York, as the Knicks were crowned NBA champions, taking the spotlight away from the World Cup in the United States.

Sunday’s match between the Netherlands and Japan is among Al Jazeera’s top-five must-watch group games of the 2026 World Cup.

Runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, the Netherlands kick off Group F with an exciting meeting with Japan, who are capable of pulling off major upsets, having defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After reaching the final three times, the Dutch – by their own admission – are putting pressure on themselves to go all the way in North America.