Japan Stages Late Comeback for 2-2 Draw Against Netherlands in World Cup Opener
Published June 14, 2026
Japan secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match in Texas, fighting back twice to snatch a point in the dying minutes.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America witnessed an early thriller as Japan mounted a spirited comeback to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in Arlington, Texas. In front of a lively crowd of 69,285 fans, the Asian side demonstrated resilience, equalizing twice – including a crucial 88th-minute strike – to share the points in what was a captivating start to both nations' campaigns.
The match, played in an impressive air-conditioned arena typically home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, saw the Dutch take the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk's header. Japan quickly responded through Keito Nakamura, only for Crysencio Summerville to restore the Netherlands' advantage with a superb curled effort just after the hour mark. As the clock wound down, it appeared the European giants would secure the victory.
However, Japan had other plans. With just two minutes remaining in regulation time, Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada found the back of the net, albeit with a deflection, to level the score and ensure a thrilling conclusion. Both teams, despite reportedly missing key players due to injury, delivered an entertaining contest that lived up to its billing as one of the more anticipated group stage fixtures of the expanded 48-team tournament.