The Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw in the first round of Group F at the 2026 World Cup. The match ended 2-2. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Match Overview
**Group F, Round 1, June 15, 01:00, Dallas, AT&T Stadium**
**NETHERLANDS – JAPAN 2:2 (0:0)**
**Goals:** Van Dijk 50 (1:0), Nakamura 57 (1:1), Summerville 64 (2:1), Kamada 89 (2:2)
The first half ended goalless – 0:0. The Dutch were more active in certain periods and created several dangerous chances: as early as the 3rd minute, Donyell Malen shot from the box, but Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki parried the ball for a corner. Later, the goalkeeper again saved his team after a header from Malen.
Japan responded with quick attacks through the flanks and could have opened the scoring before the break. The most notable Japanese players were Daizen Maeda, Takefusa Kubo, and Keito Nakamura. Towards the end of the half, Nakamura shot just wide of the post, while Ayase Ueda hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Second Half Goals
After the break, the teams quickly exchanged goals. In the 51st minute, Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring by heading in a cross from Ryan Gravenberch after a set piece. Seven minutes later, Nakamura restored parity with a shot from the edge of the box, and in the 64th minute, the Netherlands went ahead again: Crysencio Summerville cut in from the right and curled the ball into the far corner.
Late Drama
In the closing stages, Japan increased the pressure and managed to avoid defeat. In the 89th minute, they equalized from a corner kick. Koki Ogawa won a duel at the near post and headed the ball, which then deflected off Daichi Kamada and flew into the near top corner.
Other Group Matches
In the second match of Group F, Sweden will play Tunisia.
Earlier, Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1 to top Group E. The second game of that group will see Ivory Coast face Ecuador.