Japan produced a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands in their 2026 World Cup Group F opener, with Daichi Kamada credited with the 88th-minute leveller after a deflection.
The result came in front of 69,285 fans in Texas as both teams shared the points in a fiercely contested encounter that swung back and forth in the second half.
A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life after the restart, with the Netherlands taking the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk, who rose highest to head home a precise delivery from Ryan Gravenberch.
Japan responded quickly, with Keito Nakamura restoring parity after finding space and finishing low, though his effort took a slight deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke on its way past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch regained control shortly after when Crysencio Summerville produced a moment of quality, cutting inside and curling a fine effort into the bottom corner to make it 2–1.
Despite Japan’s pressure, it appeared the Netherlands would hold on for victory, but the Asians pushed until the final moments and were rewarded when Kamada’s effort from a corner deflected into the net to make it 2–2.
Earlier in the match, the Netherlands started strongly and nearly scored within three minutes when Donyell Malen forced a save from Zion Suzuki after turning sharply inside the box.
Japan, however, grew into the contest and began to threaten before halftime, although Nakamura missed a good opportunity when he dragged a low shot wide after a dangerous cross.
The match, played in an air-conditioned stadium that also hosts NFL games, saw brief interruptions, including a hydration break during which stadium entertainment was shown on the big screen.
The Dutch created several chances in the first half, with Malen and Cody Gakpo both going close, but Japan’s supporters remained vocal throughout, outnumbering their European counterparts in the stands.
With the result, both sides begin their World Cup campaign with a point each in a tightly contested Group F that remains wide open
