Netherlands and Japan draw 2-2 in 2026 World Cup opening match

On 15 June 2026, the Group F opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a 2‑2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan. Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch side the lead in the 51st minute, but Japan equalised through Takumi Nakamura six minutes later. The Netherlands retook the advantage when Summerville scored in the 64th minute, only for Ritsu Kamada to level again for Japan in the 89th minute. Both teams earned one point and will face Sweden (Netherlands) on 20 June and Tunisia (Japan) on 21 June. The result extended the Netherlands' unbeaten run in World Cup group‑stage matches to 17 games, a streak dating back to 1994.