Ladbrokes previews Netherlands vs Japan in World Cup Group F
An entertaining draw is predicted with both teams scoring in the game
Cody Gakpo is backed for two shots on target, with Takefusa Kubo also tipped to test the goalkeeper
Group F at the 2026 World Cup kicks off with an intriguing match-up between the Netherlands and Japan in Dallas in a battle between two highly-rated teams.
Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Roefs / Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven / De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders / Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan
Our predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Suzuki / Tomiyasu, Itakura, Watanabe / Ito, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura / Kubo, Doan / Ueda
Netherlands vs Japan bet builder tips
Cody Gakpo to have 2+ shots on target
There is plenty of competition for places in the Netherlands attacking department, but Cody Gakpo's place on the left-hand side seems pretty secure, despite a slightly underwhelming season for Liverpool.
Gakpo has an excellent scoring record for his country with 20 goals in 50 appearances, including both in a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their final warm-up clash.
With the 27-year-old bound to cut in from the left and have an effort at goal as much as he can, we think he'll test the goalkeeper with at least two shots on target.
Takefusa Kubo to have 1+ shots on target
In a similar vein, Takefusa Kubo is Japan's main attacking threat from a wide position, with the Real Sociedad winger often cutting in from the right to get shots off on his left foot or create a chance for one of his team-mates.
The Samurai Blue often have plenty of fluidity among their front three, meaning Kubo will often find himself in the box to finish off chances. With free-kicks also part of his armoury, we believe he is a good choice for a shot on target at a price of evens.
Both teams to score
This game has all the makings of an entertaining match, with Netherlands likely to see more of the ball and make use of the likes of Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville, while Japan will look to catch the Oranje on the break, much like they did to England on countless occasions during a 1-0 win at Wembley in March.
With chances aplenty likely in this game, tipping both teams to score at 8/11 feels like a smart move for our bet builder.
While the Dutch are the favourites for the group, Japan have made no secret of their grand aims for this tournament and holding Ronald Koeman's men to a draw would give them a great chance to finish Group F on top and earn a more favourable draw in the knockout stages.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Netherlands vs Japan Bet Builder.
With Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet with selections from other World Cup matches and also with different sports.
Netherlands vs Japan takes place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm UK time.
Where can I watch Netherlands vs Japan?
Netherlands vs Japan will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Can you bet on Netherlands vs Japan?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Netherlands vs Japan markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
