The Netherlands 2-2 Japan draw in their Group F opener at AT&T Stadium (“Dallas Stadium”) in Arlington on Sunday, June 14, 2026, saw Daichi Kamada’s 89th-minute equaliser deny the Dutch a victory. All four goals of the match arrived in the second half after a goalless opening period.
Key Takeaways
- The Netherlands 2-2 Japan draw in the Group F opener meant both sides took a point from their opening match.
- Daichi Kamada scored a dramatic late equaliser for the Samurai Blue in the 89th minute to salvage a point.
- All four goals of the match came in the second half, with two going in via deflections.
- Ryan Gravenberch was the creative force for the Netherlands, providing the assists for both of their goals.
- Both teams now sit on one point each in Group F ahead of their remaining fixtures against Sweden and Tunisia.
Match Highlights
Watch the key moments from this dramatic Group F encounter below:
How did the goals go in?
The Netherlands took an early lead just after the break when Virgil van Dijk headed home a Ryan Gravenberch cross to make it 1-0 in the 50th minute.
Japan responded quickly, and Keito Nakamura’s shot deflected off Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke on its way in to level the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute.
The Dutch regained their lead shortly after when Crysencio Summerville curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the far corner, again assisted by Gravenberch, to make it 2-1 in the 64th minute.
The Samurai Blue refused to give up and snatched a late equaliser when substitute Koki Ogawa’s header from a corner was deflected in by Daichi Kamada in the 89th minute, making it 2-2.
How did the match unfold?
The first half was a goalless affair, with the Netherlands controlling possession but unable to break through Japan’s defence. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several early saves to keep his side level.
The game burst into life after the interval, and the Netherlands 2-2 Japan result ultimately reflected a dramatic second half where Japan showed great resilience. The Samurai Blue twice came from behind and were rewarded for their perseverance when Kamada completed the comeback at the death.
Match stats: Netherlands vs Japan
| Stat | Netherlands | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Total shots | 10 | 9 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 2 |
The Netherlands dominated possession and edged the shot count, but Japan were highly efficient and resilient, taking both of their limited chances (both goals came via deflections) to earn a deserved point.
What does the result mean for Group F?
The 2-2 draw meant both the Netherlands and Japan took a point from their opening Group F match. Both teams now sit on one point each, with the group also containing Sweden and Tunisia. The Dutch will feel they should have won after leading twice, while Japan’s late equaliser rewarded their fighting spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Netherlands vs Japan match?
The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in their Group F opener, with Daichi Kamada scoring a late equaliser for the Samurai Blue.
Who scored in the match?
Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands, while Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada found the net for Japan.
Who scored the late equaliser for Japan?
Daichi Kamada completed Japan’s comeback in the 89th minute by deflecting substitute Koki Ogawa’s header from a corner into the net.
Where and when was the match played?
The game took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium (officially branded “Dallas Stadium” for FIFA) in Arlington, Texas.
What does the result mean for both teams?
Both the Netherlands and Japan now have one point each from their Group F opener. They still need to face Sweden and Tunisia in their remaining group fixtures.
