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

The Dutch appeared on course for victory after taking the lead early in the second half and then restoring their advantage minutes after Japan equalized. But a late goal from Daichi Kamada earned the Blue Samurai a deserved share of the points.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides creating limited but high-quality chances.

The Netherlands threatened first in the third minute when Donyell Malen forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Japan responded with periods of controlled possession and nearly broke the deadlock before halftime, with Keito Nakamura volleying narrowly wide in the 43rd minute.

Suzuki continued to impress, denying Malen's header late in the half to keep the score level at 0-0 going into the break.

Japan's Ayase Ueda (18) and Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk battle for the ball during a World Cup Group F match in Arlington, Texas, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP

The match came alive after halftime.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute when Ryan Gravenberch delivered a cross from the right and captain Virgil van Dijk powered a header into the far corner beyond Suzuki's reach.

Japan responded quickly.

Six minutes later, Nakamura drifted into a central position before unleashing a long-range effort that took a deflection on its way past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, leveling the score at 1-1.

Japan's players celebrate after scoring the equalizer against the Netherlands. Photo by AFP

The Dutch regained control in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville.

Just three minutes after being booked, the winger received another pass from Gravenberch, cut inside from the right and curled a superb shot beyond Suzuki to make it 2-1. Gravenberch's assist was his second of the match.

Crysencio Summerville celebrates after scoring the second goal for the Netherlands. Photo by AFP

Japan refused to back down and continued pushing forward in search of another equalizer.

Takefusa Kubo came close with a long-range strike before coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced fresh attacking options, including Koki Ogawa and Yukinari Sugawara.

Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute.

From a corner kick, Ogawa's header struck Kamada before goalkeeper Verbruggen could react, with the ball ending up in the net to make it 2-2.

Japan's Koki Ogawa (19) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (22) celebrate their side's second goal against the Netherlands during a World Cup Group F football match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP

The Netherlands pushed forward during six minutes of stoppage time but failed to find a winner as Japan held firm.

The result leaves both teams with one point in Group F and sets up an intriguing battle for qualification to the knockout stage.

While the Dutch will be disappointed to have surrendered the lead twice, Japan can take confidence from a resilient performance in which they matched one of Europe's traditional powers and earned a valuable point.