World Cup Day 4: Netherlands vs Japan, Curacao debut, and New York Knicks steal the show
Day four of the 2026 World Cup features a key match between the Netherlands and Japan, Curacao's historic debut against Germany, and other games, while the Knicks' NBA title overshadowed the football in New York.
Sunday, June 14, marks the fourth day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering fans several exciting matches. The headline event is the Netherlands vs Japan group game, a clash between the three-time runners-up and one of Asia's strongest teams.
The Netherlands, who were finalists in 1974, 1978, and 2010, begin Group F against Japan, a team known for upsetting Germany and Spain in the 2022 group stage. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said his side puts pressure on themselves to go far in North America. "We want to go far in the tournament. We have a strong team and we know what we need to improve to have a real chance," Koeman said. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the tough group, noting the high talent level in the Netherlands. Japan have never advanced past the last 16, and they will be without captain Wataru Endo. According to Opta's supercomputer, the Netherlands have a 50.2% chance of winning, Japan 24.5%, and a draw 25.2%.
History will be made as Curacao, the smallest nation ever to play at a World Cup (population just over 150,000), debuts against four-time champions Germany. Coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat—who becomes the oldest coach in World Cup history—Curacao rely heavily on their diaspora in the Netherlands. "We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them," Advocaat said. "We have nothing to lose." Germany have a 90.7% win probability according to Opta, while Curacao have 3.6%.
Other matches include Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (37.5% vs 35.2% win odds) and Sweden vs Tunisia (51.1% vs 23.2%).
Off the pitch, New York celebrated the Knicks' NBA championship—a 94-90 Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs—ending a 53-year drought. The celebrations overshadowed the World Cup atmosphere in the city, as fans flooded the streets with cheers and fireworks.
