Japan's World Cup Equalizer
Japan Secures Dramatic 2-2 Draw Against Netherlands with Late Equalizer in World Cup Opener
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Japan rescued a stunning point in the final minutes of their 2026 World Cup opener, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on June 14. Daichi Kamada headed home in the 88th minute to deny the Dutch a victory they looked set to claim, sending 69,285 fans inside the stadium into a frenzy AP.
The Netherlands had led twice, only to be pegged back both times. The draw leaves both teams on one point in Group F, with their next matches set for June 20 FOX Sports.
A Chaotic Second Half Decides Nothing
The first half was a slow, cautious affair. Japan sat deep and looked to counter. The Netherlands controlled possession — finishing the game at 60% to Japan's 40% — but created little. That all changed after halftime Sofascore.
Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, heading home a Ryan Gravenberch cross for his first-ever World Cup goal and his 13th for the national team Al Jazeera. Japan hit back almost instantly. Keito Nakamura leveled with a fierce low shot in the 57th minute. Then Crysencio Summerville curled in a stunning left-footed strike in the 64th minute to restore the Dutch lead — a goal he celebrated with Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy on the touchline West Ham United.
Kamada's 88th-Minute Header Breaks Dutch Hearts
With two minutes left in regulation, Japan substitute Koki Ogawa flicked on a corner. Kamada met it with a header that deflected into the net. It was the latest goal Japan has ever scored in a World Cup match FOX Sports.
Coach Ronald Koeman had made attacking substitutions at the 70th minute, bringing on Memphis Depay for Donyell Malen. Some analysts criticized those moves as "late tactical mistakes" that left the Dutch exposed at the back. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, by contrast, was praised for bench management, with his late substitutes providing the "fresh thrust" that led to the equalizer The Independent.
Netherlands' Unbeaten Streak Survives, Barely
Despite the disappointing finish, the Netherlands extended their unbeaten run in World Cup group play to 16 matches. Their all-time record when scoring first in a World Cup now stands at 25 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses FOX Sports. The Dutch had entered as betting favorites at -105, with Japan listed as underdogs at +275.
It is the first time the World Cup has been held in the United States since 1994. That year, the Netherlands lost 3-2 to eventual champions Brazil in a heartbreaking exit Newsday. This time, they avoided defeat — but only just.
Japan's Fans Clean Up, Eyes on the Prize
After the final whistle, Japanese supporters continued their now-famous tradition of picking up litter around the stadium — even after the emotional late comeback. Coach Moriyasu had made clear before the tournament that Japan's goal is to "win the whole thing," a bold aim for a side ranked 18th in the world The Guardian.
Both teams now watch Group F rivals Sweden and Tunisia, who face each other in Monterrey. A winner there would jump above both the Netherlands and Japan in the standings. The Dutch face Sweden on June 20 in Houston, while Japan take on Tunisia the same day in Monterrey Japan Times.
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