Al Ettifaq U18 Overview

Netherlands v Japan: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026

Van Dijk not a fan of World Cup hydration breaks

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the mandatory hydration breaks introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan, the veteran defender questioned the necessity of the stoppages in air-conditioned environments.

Van der Vaart compares Van Dijk to a 'Boeing 747' after Japan draw

Rafael van der Vaart has launched a stinging attack on Virgil van Dijk, comparing the Netherlands captain to a commercial airliner following a shaky defensive display against Japan. Despite the Liverpool man finding the net in the 2-2 draw, Van der Vaart admitted he was stunned by the defender's lack of mobility during the Netherlands' World Cup opener.

Drab Dutch held despite Summerville moment of magic

The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
3	Al Ittihad U18	34	21	5	8	80	38	42	68	L W W L W
4	Al Hilal U18	34	19	10	5	56	32	24	67	W L L D L
5	Al Ettifaq U18	34	19	8	7	56	33	23	65	W W L W W
6	Al Taawoun U18	34	19	7	8	68	42	26	64	W L W W L
7	Al Nassr U18	34	16	13	5	56	39	17	61	D L W D D

Team

+/-

PTS

Form