One team has the edge: Reviewing the past performances of the Netherlands versus Japan ahead of their intense showdown in the 2026 World Cup today.
On 14 June 2026, the 8th-ranked Netherlands will face the 18th-ranked Japan in all their previous matches before clashing fiercely in the 2026 World Cup group stage. The match is scheduled for 03:00 on Monday, 15 June, Thai time.
The two teams have met only once before in a World Cup final tournament, during the 2010 World Cup group stage matchday 2 in Group E. The Netherlands narrowly defeated Japan 1-0 with a winning goal by Wesley Sneijder in the 53rd minute.
Counting all games between them, the Netherlands have never lost to Japan in three encounters (2 wins, 1 draw). Their most recent meeting was a friendly match on neutral ground in Belgium, ending in a 2-2 draw.
This upcoming match will be closely watched to see if Japan, coached by Hajime Moriyasu, can break the trend and secure their first-ever win against the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup.
5 September 2009 (Friendly match): Netherlands 3-0 Japan
19 June 2010 (2010 World Cup group stage): Netherlands 1-0 Japan
16 November 2013 (Friendly match): Japan 2-2 Netherlands
