Japan staged a spirited late rally to salvage a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener at Dallas Stadium. Daichi Kamada’s late equaliser made this one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far, with both sides taking a point away, but it was a match of ebbs and flows from one end to the other.
The first 45 minutes were dominated by the Netherlands, who had control of the ball and the tempo of the match. The Dutch looked comfortable in midfield as Ronald Koeman’s men set the tempo and Frenkie de Jong orchestrated attacks to help the Oranje maintain long spells of possession. Donyell Malen tested the Japanese defence time and again and had several good chances, but still couldn’t make the breakthrough.
Japan had been under pressure for long periods in the early stages but were solid and disciplined defensively. The Samurai Blue held firm against wave after wave of Dutch pressure, with keeper Zion Suzuki making several key stops to keep his side level. Their tenacity was rewarded as the teams reached halftime with the score still 0-0.
🚨 NETHERLANDS 2-2 JAPAN 🇳🇱🇯🇵 | ABSOLUTE THRILLER! ALL GOALS & HIGHLIGHTS 🔥
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— 45ive (@official45ive) June 14, 2026
The game came to life just after the restart. The Netherlands finally broke through in the 50th minute. Ryan Gravenberch floated in an inviting ball into the penalty area from a set-piece situation and captain Virgil van Dijk leapt highest to send a header beyond Suzuki. It was the defender’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup and put the Dutch ahead with justice.
Almost immediately, however, Japan answered. That was just six minutes later when Takefusa Kubo set up a rapid attack, before laying off a pass to Keito Nakamura in space. The striker did not err, sending in a precise effort past Bart Verbruggen to bring his side back into the contest at 1-1.
In the 63rd minute the Dutch regained the lead with an individual moment of brilliance. Crysencio Summerville cut in from the left wing and fired a stunning curling shot into the top corner that Suzuki could do nothing about. It was a stunning finish and looked to have the Netherlands well in control.
But Japan would not give up. Coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced fresh legs and pushed his side forward in search of another leveller. Hard work paid off in the 88th minute when Kamada met a dangerous delivery into the box and guided a header into the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Japanese players.
The Netherlands threw everything at Japan in a late assault in stoppage time but Japan held firm for a well-earned point. It leaves Group F delicately poised and gave World Cup fans an unforgettable spectacle between two of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
