The Netherlands and Japan played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener at Dallas Stadium, with the Samurai Blue fighting back twice to earn a valuable point in one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches so far.
After a cagey first half in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, the game burst into life following the restart. The Dutch broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head home from a Ryan Gravenberch delivery, giving Ronald Koeman’s side a deserved lead.
Japan responded swiftly just six minutes later. Keito Nakamura latched onto a move created by Takefusa Kubo and fired home the equaliser, bringing the Asian giants right back into the contest at 1-1.
The Oranje restored their advantage in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville. The winger, who had earlier been booked, capped off an impressive performance by curling home a superb finish after another assist from Gravenberch to make it 2-1.
With the Netherlands appearing to be closing in on all three points, Japan continued to press forward in search of another breakthrough. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Daichi Kamada found the net following a corner, ensuring Japan completed another comeback and secured a deserved share of the spoils.
Both teams made several tactical changes throughout the second half, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages. The result leaves Group F finely poised, with both nations taking a point from a contest that showcased quality, resilience and attacking intent from start to finish.
Goals
- Netherlands – Virgil van Dijk (51′)
- Japan – Keito Nakamura (57′)
- Netherlands – Crysencio Summerville (64′)
- Japan – Daichi Kamada (89′)
Full-Time – Netherlands 2-2 Japan
A pulsating Group F encounter where Japan’s late heroics denied the Dutch victory and ensured both sides began their World Cup campaign with a point.
