Japan lineup vs. Netherlands: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 Group F clash as Moriyasu makes tight midfield call

Ultimately aiming to interruption caller crushed at World Cup 2026, in-form Japan volition commencement their Group F campaign by gathering successful the Netherlands successful Dallas connected Sunday.

Targeting their first-ever tally past the past 16 stage, Samurai Blue footwear disconnected with a pugnacious trial against 1 of Europe's apical teams, having conscionable mislaid their skipper to injury. 

Japan's midfield heartbeat and skipper Wataru Endo recently announced his planetary status aft failing to afloat retrieve from a ft injury, joining cardinal winger Kaoru Mitoma connected the sidelines.

Still, caput manager Hajime Moriyasu has plentifulness of options disposable to regenerate some men, with Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maeda and Junya Ito each vying to commencement successful Mitoma's absence.

Without Endo, Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka faces contention from Kaishu Sano to spouse Daichi Kamada successful the motor room.

Moriyasu's favoured cardinal striker is Ayase Ueda, who recorded 8 goals and 2 assists successful AFC qualifying, but rising prima Keisuke Goto - 1 of respective Bundesliga-based players - is an alternate option.

Heavily linked with a power to the Premier League, Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki remains his nation's fig 1 contempt missing a large chunk of past play with a manus injury.

Japan imaginable starting lineup: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, H. Ito; Doan, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; J. Ito, Kubo; Ueda

> Click present to spot however the Netherlands could enactment up against Japan