Japan draws 2-2 with Netherlands in Group F opener

On 15 June 2026, Japan faced the Netherlands in the opening match of Group F at the AT&T stadium. The Dutch side took an early lead, with Donyell Malen creating a chance in the third minute and later scoring through a header by Virgil van Dijk after a Ryan Gravenberch cross, putting the Netherlands 2‑0 up.

Japan rallied in the second half. Keito Nakamura reduced the deficit to 2‑1, and in the final minutes a corner was delivered to the right, where Koki Ogawa rose to meet a Daichi Kamada flick‑on and headed the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper, securing a 2‑2 draw.

The match featured a lively second half with both teams creating chances, and Japan’s late equaliser earned them a point in the tournament’s opening round.