Netherlands and Japan open Group F with a match that carries a burning memory for Japanese football fans. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan pulled off one of the tournament’s greatest shocks, defeating Germany and Spain to top their group, only to fall to Croatia in the round of sixteen. But the Netherlands were watching. Oranje dismantled Argentina’s South American rivals in their own knockout run, and the two nations could have met had results gone differently.

These two nations have met at a World Cup before. In 2010, Netherlands and Japan were in the same group in South Africa. The Dutch won 1-0 with a Wesley Sneijder goal, in what was a composed and professional performance from a Netherlands side that would reach the final. Japan were competitive but ultimately outclassed on the day.

Netherlands carry a weight of World Cup history. Three finals, three losses. The 1974 team built around Johan Cruyff and Total Football is still considered one of the greatest tournament sides never to win. The 1978 and 2010 finals both ended in defeat, the latter to Spain. Dutch football operates with the permanent knowledge that brilliance alone is not enough.

Japan’s World Cup journey has been one of steady, remarkable progression. They entered the tournament era in 1998 and have now made deep runs feel routine. Their pressing system and tactical discipline have made them capable of beating anyone in the group stage. Fans in Japan will be watching deep into the night given the time zone difference, but the dedication of Japanese football supporters is legendary.

AT&T Stadium in Dallas seats 80,000 and delivers the kind of spectacle that global football deserves. Group F is wide open, and this opening fixture sets the tone.