Virgil van Dijk gave Netherlands the lead in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F encounter against Japan, netting the opening goal of the match.

The Netherlands captain rose to the occasion on the biggest stage, demonstrating why he remains one of the most commanding centre-backs in world football. His goal set the tone early for the Dutch side in what was a crucial Group F fixture.

Netherlands and Japan are among the sides battling for progression in Group F, making every goal and every result in the group a decisive factor in determining who advances to the knockout rounds of the tournament.