Japan struck late to earn a deserved 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a pulsating Group F encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Daichi Kamada denying the Dutch victory in Dallas.
Ronald Koeman’s side appeared on course for all three points after Crysencio Summerville restored their lead midway through the second half, only for Kamada to have the final say with a minute remaining.
After a cagey opening period, the match burst into life five minutes after the restart when captain Virgil van Dijk headed home from a Ryan Gravenberch delivery to put the Netherlands ahead.
Japan responded seven minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who fired a low effort beyond Bart Verbruggen to bring the Samurai Blue level.
Summerville, making only his third appearance for the Oranje, then curled home a fine effort off the post in the 64th minute to restore the Dutch advantage.
However, Japan’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute. Substitute Koki Ogawa met a corner with a header that deflected off Kamada and found the net, ensuring Hajime Moriyasu’s side came away with a point.
The draw continued Japan’s reputation for resilience on the World Cup stage, having famously come from behind to beat Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022.
The match also marked the first time the Netherlands had named a starting XI without a single home-based player in a World Cup fixture.
“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. 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,” said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the late equaliser left his side frustrated.
“We went a bit too deep in the end, but obviously circumstances play a part in that as well. They didn’t create that much, so that’s why it’s extra disappointing that we conceded through a set-piece. But that’s the reality, we take the point, and now we focus on Sweden,” he said.
The result leaves both teams with a point in Group F after an entertaining opening-round encounter.
