The opening match of Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup pits two potential dark horses against each other: the Netherlands takes on Japan in Dallas.
The Dutch have famously never won the tournament despite reaching the final three times, but they will relish their chances of advancing to the latter stages in North America. Captain Virgil van Dijk leads a defense that boasts impressive strength in depth, while manager Ronald Koeman can call on several quality options in midfield, including Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie De Jong and Tijjani Reijnders. However, expectations may have been tempered by two uninspiring warm-up matches, in which the Netherlands lost 1-0 at home to Algeria and beat Uzbekistan 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp winner.
Japan caught the eye at the 2022 World Cup by beating Germany and Spain to top their group, but then lost to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16. Impressive wins over Brazil and England in the last 12 months have underlined their status as dark horses and they will believe they can take points off the Netherlands, on paper the strongest team in Group F. However, Hajime Moriyasu’s side will be without Brighton striker Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, which could hurt their chances.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Netherlands vs Japan for free on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Holland vs Japan for free
Netherlands vs Japan is available to watch for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Türkiye.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unlock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Netherlands vs Japan live streams
It’s the World Cup and, if you travel, you may discover your usual Netherlands vs Japan Streaming is suddenly unavailable due to geographic restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help you. A virtual private network allows you to connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your regular World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
we recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the US
American viewers can watch Netherlands vs Japan in Fox.
You can watch all the World Cup matches on Fox and FS1, which are available on cable cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), fubo either DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can watch Netherlands vs Japan on Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (try it for 60 days).
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the UK
UK customers are in luck because they can stream Netherlands vs Japan free in MOT. Live coverage is available on ITV1 and ITVX.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN You can unblock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch Holland vs Japan in Australia
Netherlands vs Japan will be shown for free in Australia on SBS on demand.
The streaming platform has all the tournament games for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or vacation? A VPN like Norton VPN can help you unlock your free streaming.
How to watch Holland vs Japan in Canada
In Canada, TSN and open channel CTV will be transmitting Netherlands vs Japan.
You can broadcast live through the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Outside Canada? Wear Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unblock your stream.
Netherlands vs Japan: match information
What time does Holland vs Japan start?
Netherlands vs Japan starts at 9pm BST / 4pm ET on Sunday June 14. It’s 6am AEST on Monday June 15 in the US.
What are the squads for Holland vs Japan?
Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland).
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Leipzig), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax).
Japan
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio).
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen).
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden).
|
Position |
Equipment |
God |
Needles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Netherlands |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
Japan |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Sweden |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
Tunisia |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Netherlands vs Japan on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone.
You can also stay up to date with all the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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