The opening match of Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup pits two potential dark horses against each other as the Netherlands take on Japan in Dallas.
The Dutch have famously never won the tournament despite reaching the final three times, but will fancy their chances of progressing to the final 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 top-quality options in midfield, including Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie De Jong and Tijjani Reijnders. However, expectations may have been dampened by two uninspiring warm-up matches, with the Netherlands losing 1-0 at home to Algeria and edging 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 from the Netherlands, on paper the strongest team in Group F will be the strongest team in Group F. Hajime Morisson’s strikers will be Kaiyau Bjorton’s and Liverpool striker. Takumi Minamino though, which could hurt their chances.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch Holland vs Japan for free in 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 UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the 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 out and about, you might spot your usual Netherlands vs Japan stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Holland vs Japan in the US
American viewers can watch Netherlands vs Japan on Fox.
You can watch all World Cup matches on Fox and FS1, which are available on cord cutters such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Holland vs Japan on Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch Holland vs Japan in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Netherlands vs Japan free on ITV. Live coverage is available at ITV1 and ITVX.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock 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 every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Netherlands vs Japan in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel CTV will broadcast Netherlands vs Japan.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Netherlands vs Japan: Match Information
When does Netherlands vs Japan start?
Netherlands vs Japan starts at 9pm BST / 4pm ET Sunday 14 June. It is at 06:00 AEST Monday 15 June in the US.
What are the squads for Holland vs Japan?
The 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).
Extenders: 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 (Weruke Bremen), JunosFC 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).
Extenders: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden).
|
Position |
Team |
DG |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
The Netherlands |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
Japan |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Sweden |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
Tunisia |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Holland vs Japan on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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