Netherlands vs. Japan Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

The Netherlands and Japan played out an open first half in Arlington that was unfortunately absent of goals. 

The best of the chances fell to the Oranje and Donyell Malen. He stung Zion Suzuki's palms in the opening minutes and saw a header blocked by the Japan No. 1 just after the half-hour mark. 

Japan suddenly came alive with five minutes left until the break, with Keito Nakamura getting two chances in quick succession, with both sailing wide of the mark. 

Goals should be forthcoming in the second period if the pattern of play continues—with a little more of a clinical edge, of course. The center of the park is largely being bypassed in favor of wing play, and Crysencio Summerville looks like a dangerous threat on the right for the Netherlands who could help open the floodgates. 

Great touch and control and pulls the shot JUST wide of the near post.

Suzuki stops Dutch forward again, this time in close.

Now this is impressive center forward play...but a great save!

Japan coach with the emotions during the anthems. Game on.

They aren't wrong about Texas...

20 minutes until kickoff

Seven goals from the Germans at the World Cup. Where have we heard that before...

Ultimately, Germany couldn't be denied in their World Cup opener.

Taking the big stage against Curacao on Sunday, Julian Nagelsmann's team triumphed to the tune of a 7-1 win over the CONCACAF first-timers. While Germany had to endure the temporary embarrassment of being level with Curacao at a 1-1 scoreline for a moment in the first half, it didn't take long for the Germans to climb back into the lead before the first half finished — nor did it take them long to extend the lead in the second half.

Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, who suffered a long-term injury during his last competitive game in the United States during last summer's Club World Cup, enjoyed his return to the states. The No. 10 scored Germany's fourth goal just over 60 seconds into the second half. From their, Germany never looked back.

For Curacao, while the final scoreline got out of hand, Livano Comenencia's goal will live on forever in the country's soccer history. Attending the World Cup for the first time and notching a first-ever goal at the World Cup against a nation that's won it four times? That's the stuff dreams are made of. 

It will be tough sledding for Dick Advocaat's outfit in the rest of their Group E schedule with Ecuador and the Ivory Coast awaiting them. For Germany, three points earned almost guarantees them a spot in the Round of 32.

That's 7-1 in favor of the Germans. It's been a long second half for Curacao…

It's a half dozen for the Germans!

Brown, who was eligible for the U.S. men's national team, gives Germany a 5-1 advantage.

How is this a real stat?1

Jamal Musiala makes it 4-1 in favor of the Germans!

Will Germany and Nico Schlotterbeck run away with this one? Or can Curacao stage an all-time great comeback?

Curacao made history by becoming the smallest nation to ever quality for the World Cup. In the first half against Germany, they made even more history, this time by scoring their first goal at a World Cup. Livano Comenencia's strike will go down as one of the great tournament moments, from this summer and from tournaments past.

Germany, for their part, don't seem to have gotten out of second gear so far in this one. Between an opening goal from Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, a set piece strike from his club teammate Nico Schlotterbeck, and a penalty conversion from Kai Havertz just before the half, Julian Nagelsmann's team has a 3-1 lead at the break. It's been messy at times from the Germans. But with their talent advantage that sluggishness won't come back to bite them.

For a moment, it looked as if Curacao could stage a magical comeback in the second half. Now, though this might be out of reach.

Thanks to a penalty conversion from Kai Havertz, Germany are up 3-1 heading into the break.

That's more like it from Germany and Nico Schlotterbeck, who now find themselves up 2-1.

CURACAO ARE HERE! THEY'RE REALLY HERE! Livano Comenencia, a name etched in history.

Quite the reaction to his team scoring against the World Cup debutants.

Well, that didn't take long for the Germans!

It's time for our first glimpse at Group E! And a historic one at that!

It's unreal that they're here!

Another World Cup, more Neuer

Legend back in goal for German's opening game.

Get yourself set for Germany-Curaçao as the heavyweight European nation looks to avoid disappointment at a third-straight World Cup.