Japan Holds Netherlands to 2-2 Draw in World Cup 2026 Group F
On 15 June 2026, Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2‑2 draw in the Group F opener of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas area). The Netherlands took the lead through a header by Virgil van Dijk in the 51st minute, becoming the oldest Dutch scorer at a World Cup. Japan equalised six minutes later via Keito Nakamura. The Dutch restored the advantage in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville struck from the edge of the box. In the 89th minute, Daichi Kamada headed home from a corner to secure the draw. Both teams earned one point; the Netherlands sit second in the group with a –3 disciplinary record, while Japan lead the group with zero disciplinary points. Coaches Ronald Koeman and Hajime Moriyasu expressed disappointment at missed chances but praised their sides' resilience. The result extends Japan’s unbeaten run in World Cup play and marks a rare opening‑day draw for the Dutch side.