Japan rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener at Dallas, Texas, on 15 June, coming from behind twice in front of 69,285 fans to deny the Dutch an opening-match victory. A Kamada leveller from a corner in the 88th minute completed Japan's second comeback of the night.

Key Developments

Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock on 51 minutes, rising to plant a precise header into the bottom corner from a cross by Ryan Gravenberch. Japan hit back within six minutes through Nakamura, whose low drive deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke and past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Crysencio Summerville — playing for West Ham — restored the Dutch lead on 64 minutes, curling a left-footed effort into the bottom-right corner after beating his man on the wing.

How the Game Unfolded

The Netherlands pressed from the first whistle. Donyell Malen — a Roma forward — twice tested Zion Suzuki inside the opening quarter-hour, first with a swivelling effort inside the box and then with a corner-kick header. Cody Gakpo also fired over the bar as Ronald Koeman's side dominated the early exchanges.

Japan's first meaningful chance came just before half-time when a cross evaded Summerville but Nakamura dragged his effort wide. The Dutch looked most dangerous from aerial deliveries, a threat that materialised when Van Dijk headed home on the hour mark.

Both sides made substitutions and created further chances before Kamada's chaotic equaliser from a corner sealed a share of the points in what proved to be a pulsating Group F contest.

A Historic Dutch Selection

Notably, this was the first occasion the Netherlands had named a starting XI containing no home-based players for a World Cup match — a reflection of how many Dutch internationals now ply their trade at top European clubs abroad.

What the Coaches Said

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the mixed emotions after the final whistle. 'I'm disappointed that we failed to win, but even though we fell behind twice, the players never gave up and fought hard together as a team,' he said. 'While earning only a point is a little disappointing, we managed to get a result through our collective effort. We defended patiently and then tried to be more aggressive going forward. The players executed what we had planned and prepared for.'

Group F Standings and What's Next

The draw leaves both Japan and the Netherlands on one point each in Group F after the opening round of fixtures. With two matches still to play, neither side can afford further slip-ups if they are to advance comfortably. The result will be seen as a creditable start for Moriyasu's side, who showed the resilience that has become a hallmark of Japanese football at major tournaments.