Japan hold Netherlands 2-2 with dramatic late equalizer at World Cup

Japan salvaged a 2-2 draw against traditional powerhouse the Netherlands with a dramatic late equalizer on Monday.

The Japanese national team, managed by Moriyasu Hajime, drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their Group F opener at the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Texas, with Kamada Daichi (Crystal Palace) leveling the score in the 88th minute.

The second half, which both sides began without substitutions, erupted into an end-to-end contest. The Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute when defender Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) headed home from an attacking run. Japan hit back quickly — Kubo Takefusa drove into the left side of the penalty area and cut the ball back for Nakamura Keito (Standard Liège), who finished with his right foot from around the penalty arc.

The Netherlands restored their advantage in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United) received a pass inside the right side of the box and curled a low left-footed shot that struck the left post and went in. Japan, seemingly headed for defeat, refused to give up and kept pressing. Then, two minutes before the final whistle, a corner kick led to Ogawa Koki's header deflecting off the head of Kamada Daichi (Crystal Palace) and into the net.

Japan, who have openly declared their ambition to challenge for the world title, showed their resilience in their World Cup opener by grinding out a point against a formidable Dutch side.

All Asian Football Confederation sides remained unbeaten in their opening matches through Monday. South Korea and Australia had earlier beaten the Czech Republic and Turkey, respectively, while Qatar drew with Switzerland.

Group F — featuring the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — is widely regarded as the tournament's group of death. The Netherlands-Japan match was considered one of the marquee group-stage fixtures of the entire competition. Heading into the match, the Netherlands were ranked eighth in the FIFA standings and Japan 18th.