Netherlands vs Japan opener looms with Koeman selection puzzle

Netherlands vs Japan: your World Cup starts here

Japan kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands. The match is your team's Group H opener, and the Dutch camp is already wrestling with selection questions ahead of it (1) (2).

The game will be played in a stadium that has drawn sharp criticism. VI reports the venue's construction was a financial disaster, with costs spiraling out of control and questions lingering over whether the facility is truly ready for a World Cup stage (2).

Koeman's right-wing gamble

Former Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has weighed in on Ronald Koeman's thinking, suggesting a surprise name could start on the right wing against Japan. Van Marwijk wrote in his column: "Weet zeker dat Ronald Koeman dit in zijn achterhoofd heeft" – he's certain Koeman has this option firmly in mind (1).

The Dutch camp appears to see Japan as a threat worth a tactical curveball. That is respect, even if it comes wrapped in a potential headache for your backline.

What it means for Japan

Expectation is already high after Japan's dominant qualifying campaign, and a result against the Netherlands – a traditional power – would send that expectation soaring. The stadium concerns and Koeman's selection tinkering both tilt the narrative: this is not a settled Dutch side walking into a flawless venue. There is opportunity here.