Tonight at the World Cup is a true gift for those who don't go to bed early. The main intrigue is the clash between the Netherlands and Japan at AT&T Stadium in Dallas at 23:00 Kyiv time: these two sides have met three times before, and Japan has never won. Whether that record changes tonight is the question keeping the entire football world on edge.
Day's Schedule
- 20:00 Kyiv time. Germany vs Curaçao (Group E, Matchday 1, NRG Stadium, Houston)
- 23:00 Kyiv time. Netherlands vs Japan (Group F, Matchday 1, AT&T Stadium, Dallas)
- 02:00 Kyiv time (June 15). Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (Group E, Matchday 1, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)
- 05:00 Kyiv time (June 15). Sweden vs Tunisia (Group F, Matchday 1, Estadio BBVA, Monterrey)
20:00 — Germany vs Curaçao (Group E)
Group E kicks off with a clearly uneven contest: the Mannschaft opens their tournament against World Cup debutants Curaçao. For Germany, this is their first match since the disaster at the 2022 World Cup, where they failed to advance from the group stage. The stakes are clear: three points and a positive goal difference are a must for any side with deep playoff ambitions. Curaçao, meanwhile, steps onto the biggest stage in their footballing history — the mere fact of their participation is already an achievement. Watch how Germany builds their play with the ball and whether Nagelsmann gives younger players a chance in the second half.
23:00 — Netherlands vs Japan (Group F) ★ Match of the Day
Here lies the true intrigue of the night. The Netherlands are three-time World Cup finalists (1974, 1978, 2010) who have yet to lift the trophy. Under Ronald Koeman, they boast one of their most star-studded squads in years: Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence, Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners in midfield, and Cody Gakpo in attack. The expected lineup features Bart Verbruggen in goal, Mickey van de Ven in defence, and Tijjani Reijnders in central midfield. Memphis Depay, according to sources, is expected to start on the bench as he recovers from a hamstring issue.
Japan are not a side to be underestimated. The Samurai Blue have arrived at their eighth consecutive World Cup with the strongest squad in their history. The only major absence is Kaoru Mitoma, who will miss the entire tournament due to a hamstring injury. Even so, Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, and Daichi Kamada form a dangerous attacking trio. In head-to-head meetings, Japan have never beaten the Netherlands — zero wins in three matches, including a 0–1 defeat at the 2010 World Cup. Yet the Samurai's pre-tournament form commands respect. This is an open match where every goal carries maximum weight.
02:00 — Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (Group E)
The second Group E match of the night pits two sides also making their tournament debuts against each other. Ivory Coast — with young Didier Drogba (no, not that Drogba — but the Elephants always carry the legend's name) — face Ecuador, whom ESPN has already labelled a potential dark horse of the group stage. Both teams understand the stakes: losing in the first round with such a formidable group neighbour (Germany) is almost a death sentence. The match in Philadelphia promises to be tense and open.
05:00 — Sweden vs Tunisia (Group F)
The game day closes with a late-night match in Monterrey — Sweden vs Tunisia. Both sides are making their Group F debuts, following the Netherlands and Japan. For Sweden under Graeme Potter, this is a chance to make an immediate statement and pick up points ahead of tougher fixtures. Tunisia, for their part, are eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 World Cup. The match in Monterrey kicks off at 05:00 Kyiv time — strictly for true night owls.
Recaps of all matches will be available in the evening edition of Night Mundial and the morning digest at mundialtoday.com.
