Japan and Netherlands finish 2-2 draw at World Cup group stage
Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in the Group F opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, attended by 69,285 fans. The Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk headed in a free‑kick, and Crysencio Summerville doubled the lead six minutes later. Japan equalised in the 57th minute with a long‑range strike by Keito Nakamura, and reclaimed a point in the 88th minute when Koki Ogawa’s corner found Daichi Kamada, whose header finished the game.
The match featured high possession by the Dutch early on, a disciplined Japanese defence, and intense attacks in the second half, but no further goals were scored in extra time. After the game, Japanese supporters were noted for cleaning the stadium, collecting discarded cups and packaging in bags, an act praised by spectators and media as a model of fan responsibility.
Both teams look ahead to their next group fixtures: the Netherlands will face Sweden on June 20, and Japan will play Tunisia on June 21.