Netherlands and Japan open Group E with scoreless first half in Arlington

The Netherlands and Japan met in Arlington on Sunday to begin their 2026 World Cup Group E campaigns, in a matchup that remained 0-0 at halftime. The Dutch are trying to repeat the kind of tournament they had in 2010, when their only prior official meeting with Japan ended in a 1-0 Dutch group-stage win on the way to the final.

Ronald Koeman’s side entered the tournament without injured Xavi Simons and with Memphis Depay not fully fit, leaving him on the bench. Donyell Malen, who has been scoring regularly since joining Roma, started up front alongside Cody Gakpo. Japan, meanwhile, arrived after winning all six of their warm-up matches, including victories over England and Scotland, and are chasing both a third straight round-of-16 appearance and their best World Cup finish ever.

Japan were also missing key midfielder and captain Wataru Endo, the Liverpool player, because of injury. His place in central midfield went to Mainz’s Kaishu Sano, while Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda led the attack. The match was played at AT&T Stadium and officiated by American referee Ismail Elfath.

The game was part of a group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia. Earlier and upcoming fixtures in the group were listed for June 15, 20 and 26 across Monterrey, Houston, Kansas City and Dallas.