ARLINGTON, Texas — Daichi Kamada struck two minutes from time as Japan snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener on Sunday.
Kamada powered home a late header from Koki Ogawa’s corner in the 88th minute to spark wild celebrations among the Samurai Blue supporters and deny the Dutch victory at AT&T Stadium.
After a quiet first half, the match burst into life following the restart as both teams exchanged goals in a frantic 14-minute spell.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful header before Japan responded seven minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who fired home after being set up by Takefusa Kubo.
The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville found the net with a well-placed left-footed finish, putting the eighth-ranked side on course for all three points.
Japan refused to give in, however, and found its reward late on when Kamada met Ogawa’s corner with a decisive header that slipped past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen despite getting a hand to the ball.
The result extends the Netherlands’ unbeaten run in World Cup group-stage matches to 16 games, but the Oranje will be disappointed not to have held on for victory after leading twice.
Japan, meanwhile, produced another resilient display against one of Europe’s top sides and earned a valuable point in what could prove to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
The Netherlands will face Sweden in Houston on Saturday, while Japan travels to Monterrey to take on Tunisia in the next round of Group F fixtures.
Source: Saudi Gazette