Japan fight back to hold Netherlands 2-2 in World Cup opener

By Tuan Hoang JUN. 15, 2026

Japan came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Arlington, Texas on Monday.

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Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (GMT+7)

June 15
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Final score: Netherlands 2-2 Japan
An impressive display from both teams until the very end, with two goals and a point for each. Japan will face Tunisia in the next match of Group F, while the Netherlands will face Sweden.

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Van de Ven was booked for a foul.

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Six minutes are the added time of the second half.

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Japan's players celebrate their late equalizer. Photo by AFP

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Japan equalize again!
Right at the death! The scores are leveled once again after Japan's flawless play from a corner kick. Koki Ogawa's header hit the head of Daichi Kamada and was proved too difficult for Verbruggen, who pushed it into the net. A well-deserved equalizer for Japan.

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Brian Brobbery came on for Gakpo, who didn't have a good performance in this match.

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Japan sent Kento Shiogai on for Ayase Ueda.

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83'

Depay is booked after committing a foul.

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Gravenberch, who provided the assists in both goals for the Netherlands, is replaced by Nathan Ake, a defender.

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A nice run down the right ended with Junya Ito cutting the ball back towards Yukinari Sugawara in the box, but his shot was comfortably saved by Verbruggen.

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