Japan twice rallied from behind, including a dramatic late equalizer, to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in an entertaining Group F opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
The Dutch appeared on course for victory after taking the lead on two separate occasions, but Japan’s persistence paid off when Koki Ogawa’s 88th-minute header took a decisive touch off Daichi Kamada before finding the net, denying the Netherlands all three points in a pulsating contest.
After a cautious and largely uneventful first half, the match burst into life shortly after the restart. The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose unmarked inside the penalty area to head home a perfectly delivered cross from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch.
The goal seemed to energize both sides, and Japan responded quickly. Just six minutes later, Takefusa Kubo found Keito Nakamura on the edge of the area. Nakamura drifted into space before unleashing a low effort that took a fortunate ricochet off defender Jan Paul van Hecke and wrong-footed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen on its way into the net.
With the score level at 1-1, the game opened up considerably as both teams searched for a winner. Ronald Koeman’s side regained the advantage in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville. The winger cut inside from the right flank onto his left foot, bypassing an overlapping run from Denzel Dumfries, and curled a superb shot beyond Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and in off the far post.
The Netherlands looked poised to secure a valuable opening victory, but Japan refused to surrender. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu responded aggressively, introducing all five substitutes in an effort to increase the pressure on the Dutch defense.
The changes gradually shifted momentum in Japan’s favor. As the clock ticked down, the Asian side pinned the Netherlands deeper into their own half and created a series of dangerous set-piece opportunities.
Their reward arrived in the 88th minute. Junya Ito delivered a dangerous corner into a crowded penalty area, where substitute Koki Ogawa climbed highest to meet the ball. His powerful header appeared destined for goal before taking a final touch off fellow substitute Daichi Kamada. Verbruggen managed to get a hand to the effort but could only help it into the net as Japan’s players celebrated a deserved equalizer.
The dramatic finish capped a spirited comeback and ensured Japan began its World Cup campaign with a valuable point against one of Europe’s traditional powers. For the Netherlands, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after twice holding the lead, but Koeman’s side still showed plenty of attacking quality heading into its remaining Group F matches.
With both teams earning a point, Group F remains finely balanced, and the entertaining draw served as an early reminder that every point could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
