The Netherlands and Japan shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, with the Blue Samurai twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point.
After a quiet first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, US, the contest burst into life after the break as four goals arrived in an entertaining second-half spell.
The Dutch made the breakthrough in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk powered home a header after Ryan Gravenberch delivered a precise ball into the area following a cleared free-kick.
However, Japan responded almost immediately. Keito Nakamura levelled six minutes later after taking Takefusa Kubo’s pass in stride before firing a deflected effort past Bart Verbruggen.
The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville. The winger marked his first appearance at a major tournament with a superb left-footed finish that found the far corner.
Ronald Koeman’s side appeared on course for victory as Japan searched for another response. Kubo came close with a powerful long-range effort that flew narrowly over the crossbar.
But Japan struck again late in the game.
In the 89th minute, Kōki Ogawa met Junya Ito’s corner with a header that took a touch off Daichi Kamada before beating Verbruggen and finding the net for the equaliser.
The result extended the Netherlands’ unbeaten run in FIFA World Cup group-stage matches to 17 games, but the Oranje will be disappointed after surrendering the lead on two occasions.
For Japan, the comeback maintained their unbeaten streak at eight matches and reinforced their reputation as one of the tournament’s potential dark horses after showing resilience to recover twice from a goal down.
