Netherlands and Japan draw 2-2 in World Cup 2026 Group F opener

In the opening match of Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands and Japan played to a 2‑2 draw at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch an early lead in the 51st minute, but Keito Nakamura equalised six minutes later. Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ advantage at 64 minutes, and Daichi Kamada headed home the equaliser for Japan in the 88th minute.

Both teams earned one point and share the provisional lead in Group F, with Sweden and Tunisia yet to play. The Netherlands extended its record to 13 consecutive World Cup matches without defeat, a streak not seen since Brazil in 1966. Japan continued its unbeaten run against European sides, now nine games. The next group fixtures are the Netherlands versus Sweden in Houston on 20 June and Japan versus Tunisia in Guadalupe on 21 June.

The match featured 20 shots on target (11 for the Dutch, 9 for Japan) and a balanced possession split of 59 % to 41 % in favour of the Netherlands. The late drama highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament’s opening day.