World Cup 2026 | Netherlands 2 - 2 Japan

The best 45 minutes of the tournament so far came in this match...

Daichi Kamada's late header earned Japan a deserved point against the Netherlands in their opening World Cup match in Dallas.

Author  | Jamie P

Stadium  | Dallas Stadium

One of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the group stage took time to ignite before developing into a gripping second-half contest, with the Dutch side's Premier League contingent appearing to have put them on course for a valuable victory.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville found the net before Crystal Palace's Kamada struck with a clever header, diverting Koki Ogawa's effort with two minutes remaining to secure a draw.

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Many were expecting an early World Cup classic but it just didn't happen initially. Ronald Koeman's side carried the greater threat in a subdued first half, with Donyell Malen proving the main danger and forcing three saves from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The match sprang into life after the interval

Netherlands captain Van Dijk heading the Dutch ahead in the 51st minute from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch's pinpoint cross.

Japan remained firmly in the contest and drew level six minutes later when Keito Nakamura's low effort had too much power for Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Netherlands responded with a moment of genuine quality to regain the lead after 64 minutes, Summerville cutting inside the box before drilling a low shot beyond the outstretched arm of Suzuki.

Japan continued to push forward and were rewarded through Kamada, much to the delight of the thousands of Samurai Blue supporters who had travelled to Dallas to back their side.