World Cup: Japan's late goal forces 2-2 draw with 3-time finalist Netherlands

Japan secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with Daichi Kamada scoring a late equalizer. The highly anticipated Group F clash saw both teams trade blows, with the Netherlands taking the lead twice. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands with a header in the 50th minute. Japan responded quickly, equalizing in the 57th minute through Keito Nakamura's long-range shot. Crysencio Summerville put the Dutch back in front in the 64th minute with a shot from the right flank that beat the Japanese defense. However, Japan, who had been trailing, found a way back into the game in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, a header from substitute Koki Ogawa deflected off Kamada and found the net, leveling the score at 2-2. This late goal denied the Netherlands a victory and earned Japan a crucial point. Group F is considered the toughest in the tournament. The draw between the Netherlands and Japan means both teams start with one point. Their next matches will be against Sweden and Tunisia, respectively.