Netherlands v Japan: 18/5 BTTS & Draw Headlines Dark‑Horse World Cup Clash

William Hill News tipster @Footy_Tipster previews Sunday’s 2026 World Cup game between Netherlands and Japan.

Our Prediction: Both Teams To Score & Draw (18/5), Netherlands 2-2 Japan (12/1).

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Two of the 2026 World Cup dark horses go head-to-head in their opening fixture of the tournament, as the Netherlands take on Japan at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some World Cup odds and betting angles for Sunday’s fixture:

Netherlands v Japan – Sunday, 9pm

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• The Netherlands arrive at this World Cup with one question hanging over them: could this finally be their year? No nation has lost more World Cup finals than the Dutch (3), following defeats in 1974, 1978 and 2010. This is a challenging group, but history suggests they should progress, having gone unbeaten in their last sixteen World Cup group-stage matches dating back to 1994.
• You have to go back even further to find the last time Oranje lost their opening match at a World Cup finals. Since their 1938 defeat, they have won seven and drawn two of their tournament curtain-raisers, so a strong start is very much expected.
• Ronald Koeman’s side also enter the competition in excellent form, losing just one of their last twelve matches in all competitions. That defeat did come earlier this month in a surprise 1-0 loss to Algeria, but overall momentum remains positive. William Hill price the Dutch at 19/20 to begin their campaign with a victory.

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• Japan make their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, yet they are still searching for their first quarter-final berth. Many believe this could be their breakthrough year, especially after recent statement wins over both Brazil and England.
• Samurai Blue have won their last two World Cup openers and will be eager for revenge here, having suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2010 tournament. This, however, is a far stronger and more experienced Japanese side.
• This fixture promises excitement, and goals look likely. Seven of Japan’s last nine matches at the World Cup finals have seen both teams score, and with two attack-minded sides on show, BTTS is currently 4/5 with William Hill.

Bet Builder Hub:

• Seven of Japan’s last nine matches at the World Cup finals saw both teams score.
• Cody Gakpo is set the lead the line, he had two goal involvements in his last outing for the Dutch.
• Ritsu Doan has produced a shot on target in four of his last seven games.
• Tsuyoshi Watanabe has committed at least one foul in four of his last seven games for Japan.

*All odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*

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