Japan rescued a dramatic late point in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, battling back twice to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Sunday.
The result marked a memorable start for Japan, who ended the Netherlands long record of winning World Cup matches after taking the lead twice. It was also only the second World Cup meeting between the two nations. Their previous encounter came in South Africa in 2010 when the Dutch secured a 1-0 victory through Wesley Sneijder before eventually reaching the final.
The Netherlands entered the contest unbeaten in their previous nine World Cup openers, winning seven and drawing two. Meanwhile, Japan were still searching for their first victory over the Oranje after failing to win any of their previous three meetings.
The Dutch started brightly and created the first real chance in the fifth minute. Donyell Malen showed excellent strength with his back to goal before turning sharply and firing an effort towards goal, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki reacted brilliantly to make the save.
Japan responded with some slick passing football of their own. In the 16th minute, Shogo Taniguchi surged down the left flank and delivered a dangerous low cross into the area. However, Daizen Maeda could not sort out his feet quickly enough to apply the finishing touch.
The Netherlands continued to threaten as the first half progressed. Malen met a cross with a firm header in the 36th minute, but Suzuki pushed the effort away. The rebound fell kindly for Micky van de Ven, whose follow-up header drifted off target.
The Dutch striker remained heavily involved and nearly struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Tijjani Reijnders delivered a corner into the area and Malen powered another header goalward, but Suzuki gathered comfortably.
Japan’s best opportunity of the opening period arrived moments earlier. Ayase Ueda latched onto a superb pass through midfield and fired first time, only to crash his effort into the side netting. Shortly after, Keito Nakamura failed to capitalise when a cross from the right evaded the Dutch defence but not his hurried finish.
The breakthrough finally came shortly after the restart. The Netherlands won a free kick on the left in the 49th minute, and although Japan cleared the initial delivery, the pressure continued. Two minutes later, Ryan Gravenberch recycled possession and delivered a perfect ball into the penalty area where Virgil van Dijk rose unmarked and nodded into the bottom corner for 1-0.
The goal was a landmark moment for the Liverpool captain. It was Van Dijk’s first goal at a major international tournament and continued his impressive scoring form after netting eight times for Liverpool last season. Stadium officials later revealed that his header travelled at 65mph from a distance of 10 metres.
Japan, however, responded immediately. Despite struggling to create chances early in the second half, they found an equaliser in the 57th minute. Takefusa Kubo drove forward down the left before picking out Keito Nakamura near the edge of the box. The forward created a yard of space and fired a low shot that took a slight deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke before nestling in the bottom corner.
The game burst into life and the Netherlands restored their lead just seven minutes later. Crysencio Summerville collected possession outside the area, drifted across the edge of the box and unleashed a superb left-footed strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Following a hydration break, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman freshened his side with a triple substitution. Memphis Depay replaced Donyell Malen, Teun Koopmeiners came on for goalscorer Summerville, while Quinten Timber replaced Reijnders.
Japan refused to surrender and continued to push forward. With 10 minutes remaining, Yukinari Sugawara met a cutback from the right but failed to generate enough power or direction, allowing Bart Verbruggen to make a routine save.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 88th minute. Japan won a corner and finally delivered a dangerous ball into the area after struggling from set pieces throughout the match. Koki Ogawa rose highest and directed a powerful header towards goal. Verbruggen got both hands to the effort but could not keep it out. Replays showed the final touch came off Daichi Kamada, who was credited with the goal despite appearing unaware of the contact.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the Japanese players and supporters as they secured a deserved point in what many view as their toughest group-stage fixture.
The result ended another remarkable Dutch statistic. Before this match, the Netherlands had never failed to win a World Cup game after taking the lead twice. They also extended their unbeaten run in World Cup group matches to 17 games, having now won 12 and drawn five during that sequence.
For Japan, the draw could prove crucial in the race for qualification. They showed resilience, character and composure against one of the tournament favourites and left Arlington with momentum on their side.
Japan will next face Tunisia on June 21 in Guadalupe, Mexico, while the Netherlands take on Sweden on June 20.
Before kick-off, the Netherlands had gone 16 consecutive World Cup group-stage matches without defeat. Coincidentally, their last group-stage loss came in the United States when Belgium beat them 1-0 in Orlando during the 1994 tournament.
After a slow first half, the match exploded into life after the break and delivered one of the most entertaining contests of the tournament so far. Most importantly for Japan, they left Dallas with a valuable point and renewed belief in their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
