Netherlands held to 2-2 draw by Japan in World Cup 2026 opener
On 14 June 2026, the Netherlands opened their Group F campaign at the FIFA World Cup in Houston, USA, against Japan. The Dutch side took the lead twice – first through Virgil van Dijk in the 51st minute and later via Crysencio Summerville – but Japan equalised each time, with Keito Nakamura striking before half‑time and Koki Ogawa netting a late header in the 89th minute to finish the match 2‑2.
The result sparked criticism of coach Ronald Koeman, with Dutch media describing Japan’s comeback as a “powerful blow” and calling the Dutch performance “disappointing” and “a missed chance”. Koeman said he felt “the Japanese were afraid of us” before conceding that the team must improve.
The draw leaves the Netherlands needing victories over Sweden and Tunisia in their remaining group matches to secure progression to the knockout stage. The result also tied the Netherlands’ record of 19 matches without a regulation‑time loss, a streak first set after the 2006 World Cup.
Overall, the match was highlighted for its late drama, the tactical adjustments by both sides, and the pressure on the Dutch squad to recover in the next fixtures.