Japan Snatch Late Draw Against Netherlands in Thrilling World Cup Opener

Dallas, June 2026 : Japan showcased remarkable resilience as they twice came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 before a crowd of 69,285 spectators in Texas.

A late equaliser in the 88th minute ensured that Japan began their campaign with a valuable point, denying the Dutch what appeared to be an opening victory.

The Netherlands entered the contest as favourites and looked poised to take control of the group after taking the lead for a second time through Crysencio Summerville in the 64th minute. However, Japan refused to surrender and fought back once again in an entertaining encounter.

The match also marked a historic moment for the Netherlands, who fielded a World Cup starting XI without a single home-based player for the first time in their history.

Ronald Koeman’s side began brightly and nearly opened the scoring inside three minutes when Donyell Malen turned sharply inside the box, only to be denied by Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Malen remained a constant threat and later tested Suzuki again with a header, while Cody Gakpo missed another opportunity by firing over the crossbar.

Japan gradually settled into the game and created their first major chance just before halftime. A dangerous cross evaded the Dutch defence, but Keito Nakamura dragged his shot wide.

The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes into the second half. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk rose above the defence to head home a precise cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch, giving the Netherlands a deserved 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.

Japan responded swiftly. Just six minutes later, Nakamura found space inside the box and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, with the ball taking a slight deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke on its way into the net.

The Dutch restored their advantage in the 64th minute when Summerville produced a fine individual effort, cutting inside from the right wing before curling a left-footed strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

Both sides made substitutions as the match opened up in the closing stages. Japan continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 88th minute when Daichi Kamada capitalised on a corner to score a dramatic equaliser, sparking celebrations among the Japanese supporters.

After the match, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s spirit despite expressing disappointment at not securing all three points.

“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,” Moriyasu said.

With the thrilling draw, both teams begin their World Cup campaigns with a point, leaving Group F finely balanced heading into the next round of fixtures.

Score: Netherlands 2 (Virgil van Dijk 51′, Crysencio Summerville 64′) drew with Japan 2 (Keito Nakamura 57′, Daichi Kamada 88′).