Netherlands and Japan Share Points in Thrilling 2026 World Cup Opener
Published June 14, 2026
The Netherlands and Japan played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their opening Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Japan twice coming from behind to secure a crucial point.
Published — local time around the world
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off for Group F with a captivating encounter between the Netherlands and Japan, culminating in a 2-2 draw at Dallas Stadium. Ronald Koeman's Dutch side, often referred to as the Oranje, saw their lead erased twice by a resilient Japanese squad, setting a dramatic tone for their respective campaigns in the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The initial half of the match was a tactical battle, with the Netherlands, featuring midfield stalwarts Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, controlling possession. However, they faced a formidable challenge in breaking down Japan's well-organised defensive setup. Despite the Dutch attacking efforts from players like Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen, neither side could find the back of the net, leaving the score deadlocked at 0-0 heading into the interval.
The second half ignited with a flurry of action. The Netherlands eventually broke the deadlock, but Japan swiftly responded, showcasing their attacking prowess with aggressive transitional play to level the score. The Dutch appeared to have clinched victory late in the game after scoring their second goal to make it 2-1. Manager Ronald Koeman even made a defensive substitution, bringing on Nathan Aké for Gravenberch to protect the narrow advantage. Yet, the Samurai Blue demonstrated remarkable determination, fighting back once more to equalise and ensure the points were shared in a truly thrilling opener for both nations.