Japan Snatch Late Draw Against Netherlands in Dramatic World Cup Group F Opener

Japan earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their opening Group F game at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday in Dallas, with Daichi Kamada heading in a last-gasp equaliser to deny the Dutch all three points.

Kamada glanced Koki Ogawa's effort into the net with two minutes left to rescue a point Japan fully deserved after twice coming from behind in an entertaining second-half contest.

The first half was quiet, with the Netherlands creating the better chances through Donyell Malen, who forced three saves from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Things came alive after the break.

Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead in the 51st minute, heading in from Ryan Gravenberch's cross. Japan hit back quickly when Keito Nakamura's low shot beat Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen to level it at 1-1.

The Netherlands retook the lead in the 64th minute through a moment of real quality. Crysencio Summerville cut inside the area and drove the ball past Suzuki to make it 2-1.

Japan refused to give up and kept pressing, and their persistence paid off when Kamada intervened late on to earn a share of the spoils.

It was a frustrating result for Ronald Koeman's side, who had eight Premier League players in their starting lineup but could not hold onto either of their leads. For Japan, ranked 18th in the world and considered one of the tournament's dark horses, it felt more like a win.

The Netherlands face Sweden on June 20, while Japan take on Tunisia on June 21.