The opening game in Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026 pits two potential dark horses against each other, as Netherlands take on Japan in Dallas.
The Dutch have famously never won the tournament despite reaching the final three times, but they will fancy their chances of progressing to the latter stages in North America. Captain Virgil van Dijk leads a defence boasting impressive strength in depth, while manager Ronald Koeman can call on several top-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, which saw Netherlands lose 1-0 at home to Algeria and edge past 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, although they then lost to Croatia on penalties in the last 16. Impressive wins over Brazil and England in the past 12 months have underlined their status as dark horses and they will believe they can take points off Netherlands, on paper the strongest team in Group F. Hajime Moriyasu’s side will be without Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, though, which could harm their chances.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Netherlands vs Japan for free in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan for free
Netherlands vs Japan is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock 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’re traveling, you might discover your usual Netherlands vs Japan stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the US
US viewers can watch Netherlands vs Japan on Fox.
You can watch every World Cup game on Fox and FS1 which are available on cord-cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead 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 for 60 days).
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Netherlands vs Japan for free on ITV. Live coverage is available on ITV1 and ITVX.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you’re abroad today.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in Australia
Netherlands vs Japan will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN like Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free-to-air channel CTV will be broadcasting Netherlands vs Japan.
You can live stream via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN whilst you’re traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Netherlands vs Japan: Match Information
What time does Netherlands vs Japan start?
Netherlands vs Japan kicks-off at 9pm BST / 4pm ET on Sunday, June 14. That’s 6am AEST on Monday, June 15 in the US.
What are the squads for Netherlands 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 |
Team |
GD |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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