Denzel Dumfries struggles for impact at World Cup 2026 opener against Japan

Denzel Dumfries, who has 22 assists and 11 goals in 73 international appearances, produced a rare unremarkable performance as the Netherlands began their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Japan.

Against Japan, Dumfries completed no goals or assists and failed to register any dangerous runs down the right flank. The Dutch right-back, who is set to join Real Madrid from Internazionale this summer, has never looked less like his usual self.

One moment of promise came when a curling cross from Cody Gakpo reached Dumfries, who headed narrowly wide from an awkward position on the byline. The attempt was reminiscent of classic Dutch wing-back play that defined the team’s 3-1 win over the United States at the 2022 World Cup.

At that tournament, Dumfries was instrumental in the Netherlands’ run to the quarter-finals, contributing two assists and one goal. His involvement in three goals made him only the third Dutch player ever to achieve the feat in a single World Cup match, alongside Johan Cruijff and Rob Rensenbrink.

Ronald Koeman’s current system, a 4-3-3, restricts Dumfries’ traditional freedom to maraud the entire flank. analyst Imke Courtois explained: “He has to stay in line with defenders like Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke, so he’s often closer to his own goal and less dynamic.”

Dumfries recorded just 57 touches against Japan, below his 2024 average of 65 per game. In Qatar four years earlier, he made 70 touches against the United States, including three inside the opponent’s penalty area.

His output of high-intensity runs without the ball has also dropped sharply. At the 2022 World Cup, Dumfries averaged 19 such runs per match and totalled 94 over the tournament. Against Japan, he managed only eight, with just one in full sprint.

Koeman’s tactical plan relies on right winger Crysencio Summerville to create space for Dumfries by cutting inside. Courtois said: “The interaction between Summerville and Dumfries worked well. I would keep it like that.”

Summerville’s movement helped Dumfries force a defensive hesitation that led to the winger’s 2-1 goal against Japan. Koeman has preferred Summerville over Jeremie Frimpong, whose direct style did not suit Dumfries’ overlapping runs.

The coach has also considered Donyell Malen and left-footed midfielder Teun Koopmeiners as alternatives on the right, but Courtois believes Summerville remains the best fit for now.

Dumfries will look to rediscover his form when the Netherlands face Sweden on Saturday in Houston at 19:00 CET. The match will be broadcast live on NPO 1, NPO Radio 1 and via .nl and the app.