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Netherlands prepares for World Cup opener against Japan this Sunday

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 5:45 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Netherlands prepares for World Cup opener against Japan this Sunday

Summary

The Netherlands is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday in Dallas. The team is aiming to overcome its status as the best nation never to win the tournament, having reached three finals without success. Captain Virgil van Dijk emphasizes a focused approach toward the match, despite acknowledging the challenges posed by Group play, which includes Sweden and Tunisia. The Dutch aim to build on their strong recent World Cup performance, having reached the semifinals in 2014 and made a notable comeback in 2022 after failing to qualify in 2018.

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By the Numbers

•Netherlands holds training camp in Riverside, Missouri.
•Virgil van Dijk leads a team facing Japan in group play.
•Dutch team has reached three World Cup finals without a title.
•Injuries are a concern, particularly for defender Jurrien Timber and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
•The team has an unbeaten streak of 12 matches in World Cup play.

Latest Updates

5:45 PMYahoo Sports — Netherlands arrives at the World Cup as arguably the best never to win, and reminders are everywhere

What they're saying

"
The road leading into the practice facility that the Netherlands is using for its World Cup base camp was supposed to be welcoming, what with those “welkom” signs in Dutch making one of the world's top teams feel right at home. Every one of them is a reminder that the country still has never won the tournament.
— Yahoo Sportsby DAVE SKRETTA

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