Japan draws 2-2 with Netherlands in 2026 World Cup group match

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas, Texas. Japan equalised twice after falling behind to a header by Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, with goals from Takumi Nakamura and a late header by Koki Ogawa. The match, described by local commentators as part of the “death group”, featured a frantic four‑goal second half.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, fans gathered in the Plaza Revolución to watch the game on a large screen despite rain. Most of the crowd, Mexican locals, overwhelmingly cheered for Japan, chanting “¡Oe! ¡Oe! Japón!” and shouting “Gracias” and “Arigatō gozaimasu” after the final whistle. One Mexican fan explained the support as a lingering resentment toward the Netherlands from Mexico’s 2014 World Cup Round‑of‑16 loss.

The draw leaves both teams with one point in the group, while the match highlighted enthusiastic international fan support far from the stadium.