Daichi Kamada nets dramatic equaliser for Japan in World Cup opener

Midfielder Daichi Kamada scored in the 84th minute to level Japan 2–2 against the Netherlands in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The goal earned Japan a valuable point in its group‑stage debut.

The article also recalls Kamada’s rise from Kyoto’s Higashiyama High School and notes his role alongside fellow Japan forward Aoi Tanaka, whose boots are prepared by a local craftsman at Kyoto Sanga. Japan’s next group game is scheduled against Tunisia.