Netherlands vs Japan — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Netherlands vs Japan kicks off in GROUP F of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Netherlands and Japan meet in Group F at the 2026 World Cup, a clash between a European powerhouse and an Asian side known for tactical discipline. The Dutch, under their current manager, have blended attacking flair with a solid defensive structure, relying on stars like Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong to control games. Their recent form in qualifiers has been strong, with a potent attack led by Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo. Japan, meanwhile, have continued their evolution under a new generation of players, with a high-pressing style and quick transitions. Key figures like Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan provide creativity, while the defense is organized but can be vulnerable to pace. The Netherlands will look to dominate possession and exploit width, while Japan will aim to disrupt and counter. This match is crucial for both: a win for the Dutch would put them in a strong position to top the group, while Japan need points to stay in contention for knockout stages. Expect a tactical battle where set-pieces and individual moments could decide the outcome.

Key players to watch

Netherlands

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) — The defensive leader, crucial for organizing the backline and dangerous from set-pieces.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) — Dictates tempo from midfield, key to breaking lines and linking play.
Memphis Depay (Atlético Madrid) — Netherlands' top scorer, capable of moments of magic and clinical finishing.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) — Versatile attacker, pace and direct running cause problems for any defense.

Japan

Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) — Creative winger with excellent dribbling and vision, Japan's main threat.
Ritsu Doan (Freiburg) — Energetic and skillful, can score from distance and create chances.
Wataru Endo (Liverpool) — Defensive midfielder who breaks up play and provides stability.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) — Dribbling wizard, his 1v1 ability can unlock tight defenses.

How to watch Netherlands vs Japan — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Netherlands vs Japan?

Sun, Jun 14 at 08:00 PM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP F of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Netherlands vs Japan?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.