World Cup

Netherlands - Japan

06/14/2026, 08:00 PM

2 : 2
Expected Goals
Netherlands
1.2
Total xG
2.2
Japan
1.0
Most Likely Scores

1:1

15%

0:0

13%

1:0

12%

0:1

9%

2:0

8%
What influences the xG?
NETJAP

Netherlands

Small sample (0 matches) - regression to mean
+0.93
Defensive strength (0.7 conceded vs 1.5 league avg)
-0.76
3 of last 5 matches with 2+ goals (1.8 goals/match)
-0.21
Declining form (1.8 vs 2.5 season average)
-0.21
Standings advantage (pos 7 vs 19, 12 places gap)
+0.07

Japan

Defensive strength (0.7 conceded vs 1.5 league avg)
-0.79
Small sample (0 matches) - regression to mean
+0.15
5 clean sheets in last 5 matches
-0.15
3 of last 5 matches with 0-1 goals (1.6 goals/match)
-0.15
Declining form (1.6 vs 2.1 season average)
-0.15
Standings disadvantage (pos 19 vs 7, 12 places gap)
-0.14

League

High-scoring league (3 goals/match)
+0.50
+0.50
The Lab
Statistical patterns from recent matches
  • 1
    Netherlands with Jan Paul van Hecke: 0.8 goals/game. Without: 0 goals/game (6 of 8 games)

  • 2
    Japan: scored only after the break in 3 of 8 games

  • 3
    Japan with Yukinari Sugawara: 1.3 goals/game. Without: 2.5 goals/game (6 of 8 games)

Model Probabilities

Match Result

Home Win

39%

Draw

33%

Away Win

29%

Goals

Over 1.5

66%

Under 1.5

34%

Over 2.5

37%

Under 2.5

63%

Over 3.5

18%

Under 3.5

82%

Double Chance

Home or Draw

71%

Away or Draw

61%

No Draw

67%

Both Score

Yes

46%

No

55%

Key Factors
  • Pipeline prediction: The mathematical analysis sees the Netherlands as slight favorites with a 39% win probability and 71% for home win or draw
  • Japan's defensive strength: Japan boasts an impressive defense with only 0.19 goals conceded per game and 13 clean sheets
  • Recent form of both teams: Both teams show a negative trend in goal production according to advanced stats
Risk Factors
  • Limited data: Only one historical head-to-head match is available, reducing comparability
  • Unknown surface influence: No specific performance data for either team on artificial turf is available
  • Negative form trends: Both teams show a negative trend in goal production according to advanced stats compared to their season average
Overview

The Netherlands host Japan at AT&T Stadium in a World Cup group stage match. The game takes place on June 14, 2026, 9:00 PM. This is the first tournament match for both teams, making it a crucial opener.

Form

The Netherlands' form across all competitions is WWDLW, consisting of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five games. Their last result was a 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan. Japan shows an impressive streak of WWWWW, which means 5 consecutive wins. Japan won their last match 1-0 against Iceland. W = Win, D = Draw, L = Loss.

Statistics

The Netherlands have averaged 3.38 goals scored per game this season and conceded 0.5 goals per game. They kept 5 clean sheets, both teams scored in 3 matches, and 5 games ended with over 2.5 goals. Japan also boasts a high goal average of 3.38, but with exceptionally low 0.19 goals conceded per game. Japan recorded 13 clean sheets and both teams scored in 2 matches. For Japan, 10 games ended with over 2.5 goals.

Head-to-Head

There has been one head-to-head match between the Netherlands and Japan. The Netherlands won this sole encounter 1-0 on June 19, 2010. This provides limited insight for the current game.

Key Players

For the Netherlands, Donyell Malen (3 goals), Virgil van Dijk (2 goals), and Cody Gakpo (2 goals) have shown their scoring threat in the last five games. For Japan, Daizen Maeda with 5 goals, Ayase Ueda with 2 goals, and Keito Nakamura with 1 goal and 2 assists stand out in recent matches.

Goalkeepers

Bart Verbruggen is the goalkeeper for the Netherlands, who kept 5 clean sheets this season. For Japan, Zion Suzuki is in goal, and his team recorded an impressive 13 clean sheets.

Influences

The match will be played on artificial turf at AT&T Stadium. There is no specific performance data available for either team on artificial turf.

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