Netherlands and Japan draw 0-0 in Dallas for their 2026 World Cup debuts

The Netherlands and Japan opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a goalless draw (0-0) on Sunday, June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, in the Dallas suburbs. The two teams parted ways level after a first half that had not yet delivered a verdict at the 6-minute mark of play.

On the Dutch side, Ronald Koeman fielded a team built around his usual leaders: Virgil van Dijk in central defence alongside Micky van de Ven, Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen in attack, with Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. In goal, Bart Verbruggen was preferred to the competition. On the right flank, Denzel Dumfries occupies his usual corridor, while Crysencio Summerville completes the attacking setup.

Japan, for its part, relies on an experienced eleven: Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan animate the attacking midfield, while Ayase Ueda is positioned up front. The Japanese defence, organized around Shogo Taniguchi, is tasked with containing the Orange attacks.

The match was refereed by American Ismail Elfath, appointed to oversee this group clash on the pitch of the Texas NFL stadium, which hosts one of the tournament’s opening fixtures jointly organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico.