Japan scored a dramatic late equaliser through Daichi Kamada to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in an entertaining FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F clash at Dallas Stadium.
The Dutch twice took the lead through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville, but Japan responded on both occasions to earn a deserved point and keep Group F wide open after the opening round of matches.
First Half Ends Goalless
The Netherlands controlled possession throughout the opening 45 minutes, enjoying 60% of the ball and dictating the tempo with 516 completed passes over the course of the match.
However, Japan remained compact defensively and frustrated Ronald Koeman’s side, ensuring the teams went into halftime level at 0-0.
Van Dijk Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart.
Ryan Gravenberch delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area where captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to power a header past the Japanese goalkeeper, giving the Oranje a deserved 1-0 lead.
But Japan responded quickly.
Just six minutes later, Takefusa Kubo slipped a perfect pass to Keito Nakamura, who calmly finished to bring the Samurai Blue level at 1-1.
Summerville Restores Dutch Lead
The Netherlands regained control in the 64th minute.
Gravenberch claimed his second assist of the evening, finding Crysencio Summerville, who finished confidently to restore the Dutch advantage at 2-1.
The Oranje looked on course for victory as they controlled possession and managed the closing stages.
Kamada Strikes Late
Japan refused to give up.
In the 89th minute, substitute Koki Ogawa produced a pinpoint cross into the penalty area where Daichi Kamada powered home a header to rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw and silence the Dutch supporters.
The late goal ensured both sides left Dallas with a point in one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round.
Goals
- 51′ Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), assisted by Ryan Gravenberch (1-0)
- 57′ Keito Nakamura (Japan), assisted by Takefusa Kubo (1-1)
- 64′ Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands), assisted by Ryan Gravenberch (2-1)
- 89′ Daichi Kamada (Japan), assisted by Koki Ogawa (2-2)
Match Statistics
- Shots: Netherlands 11, Japan 8
- Shots on Target: Netherlands 7, Japan 3
- Possession: Netherlands 60%, Japan 40%
- Passes: Netherlands 516, Japan 342
- Pass Accuracy: Netherlands 89%, Japan 88%
- Corners: Netherlands 5, Japan 4
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, the Netherlands were unable to hold on as Japan produced another resilient display.
Group F Standings
- Sweden – 3 points (+4 GD)
- Japan – 1 point (0 GD)
- Netherlands – 1 point (0 GD)
- Tunisia – 0 points (-4 GD)
Both teams remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage heading into their second group matches.
