Netherlands and Japan draw 2-2 in World Cup opener

At Arlington, Texas, the opening match of Group F in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a 2‑2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan on 15 June. Dutch goals came from Virgil van Dijk (6') and Cody Summerville (19'), while Japan equalised through Takumi Nakamura (12') and Ryotaro Kamada (44'). Both sides finished the match level, setting up a decisive final group game against Sweden and Tunisia. The result leaves the group tightly contested as the tournament progresses.