In a thrilling clash in Dallas, Japan denied the Netherlands with Daichi Kamada’s last-gasp deflection from a corner.
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Netherlands goals: Van Dijk (50), Summerville (64) Japan goals: Nakamura (57), Kamada (89)
Japan came back to hold the Netherlands late on in Dallas as substitute Koki Ogawa’s header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.
The Netherlands had looked set to become the early FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group F frontrunners after Crysencio Summerville’s 64th-minute goal. However, as they had done during the 14-minute goal burst earlier in the second half, Japan showed their mettle to secure a point.
After an initially cagey contest under the roof at Dallas Stadium, this group opener sprang into life when Virgil van Dijk headed back across goal from a Ryan Gravenberch cross.
Japan had beaten Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 after conceding first, and they rallied through Keito Nakamura’s super low strike. Yet on his third Oranje appearance, lively winger Summerville stepped inside to curl a perfectly measured shot in off the post. The lead lasted until Ogawa’s header from a corner flicked Kamada on its way past Bart Verbruggen.
A quieter first half had been enlivened by the duel between Donyell Malen and Japan No1 Zion Suzuki, while the keeper also saved from Cody Gakpo. However, Japan would not be cowed by Ronald Koeman’s Oranje and gave a hint of things to come with efforts from Nakamura and Ayase Ueda.
|
Group F
|
P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Sweden
|
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
–
–
–
–
|
|
| 2 |
 Japan
|
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
–
–
–
–
|
|
| 3 |
 Netherlands
|
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
–
–
–
–
|
|
| 4 |
 Tunisia
|
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
–
–
–
–
|
|
Key stat
This was the first time the Netherlands had fielded no home-based players in their starting XI for a World Cup match.
Superior Player of the Match
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
What they said…
“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.” Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach
“We were saying before the match that we needed to get at least a point. The game turned into a difficult one, but we were able to show what we had prepared, and it was good that we managed to come away with at least a point. Against a strong side like the Netherlands, if you go 1-0 down, it can easily become 2-0 or 3-0. The fact we fought back and earned a draw shows the character of this team. We had a disappointing second match at the last World Cup [against Costa Rica], so this time we want to get three points and secure qualification.” Daichi Kamada, Japan midfielder
“I think we defended well. 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. We just have to keep going. It’s a start and we have to grow into the tournament. Hopefully there are still many more games to come for us. Because we conceded late on, it doesn’t feel as nice, but we move on.” Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands captain
“Whether we go a goal down, whether we’re in the lead or whether we’ve just pulled level – we’d already talked beforehand about not changing what we have to do. So I think we were able to stick to that: no panic, no wavering. We now need to keep things tight at the back and avoid conceding. In terms of attacking, I’d like us to come up with more ideas and add more invention to our play, that’s how we’ll get even better.” Yukinari Sugawara, Japan defender
