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Netherlands 2 - 2 Japan at the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group F · Matchday 1). Full-time result, predicted and confirmed lineups, formations (4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1), key players including Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay and Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda, and match analysis — updated on FootballDream.
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Netherlands edge in as slight favourites against Japan, but the margins are fine. Netherlands's biggest threat runs through Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, while Japan will pin their hopes on Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda. Points here could prove decisive in Group F · Matchday 1. The match is staged at AT&T Stadium, Arlington. The predicted XIs reflect current form and squad news; official lineups are confirmed about an hour before kick-off. Make your own call — predict the result, exact score and goalscorers on FootballDream before kick-off.
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Netherlands line up in a 4-3-3, Japan in a 4-2-3-1. Netherlands will expect the bulk of possession and the task of breaking down a compact block, while Japan are likely to defend deeper and look to spring Daizen Maeda and Ayase Ueda on the counter. Whether Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners can dictate tempo will shape how open the game becomes. Set pieces and the opening goal often tilt tight group games like this.
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- Netherlands: Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst — 4-3-3 match.formationSuffix
- Japan: Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Wataru Endo — 4-2-3-1 match.formationSuffix
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