Japan’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage began with heartbreak that quickly turned into euphoria on Sunday, as the Samurai Blue fought back twice to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening Group F fixture of the 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium.
For much of the contest, it looked as though Japan’s World Cup opener would end in disappointment. The Netherlands, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, controlled large spells of possession, and after a goalless first 45 minutes the match burst into life shortly after the restart. Van Dijk powered a header beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the 50th minute, finishing off a cross from Ryan Gravenberch to give Ronald Koeman’s side the lead.
Japan responded almost immediately. Just seven minutes later, Keito Nakamura levelled the score, turning sharply and firing a low effort from the edge of the box that deflected past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after a pass from Takefusa Kubo. The equalizer lifted the Japanese side and briefly silenced the large contingent of orange-shirted supporters who had travelled to watch the Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign.
The Dutch struck back within minutes, however. Crysencio Summerville, working off another pass from Gravenberch, cut inside from the left flank and curled a left-footed effort into the far corner, restoring the Netherlands’ lead in the 64th minute and appearing to set up a routine victory for one of the tournament favourites.
For long stretches afterward, it seemed Japan’s World Cup campaign would begin with a defeat. The Dutch defence, anchored by Van Dijk, held firm as Japan poured players forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Koki Ogawa was introduced to add height and physical presence to the Japanese attack, and his impact proved decisive in the closing stages.
In the 88th minute, with the Netherlands seemingly set to close out the win, Japan won a corner. Junya Ito’s delivery found Ogawa, whose header looped towards the goal post before deflecting off Daichi Kamada and beyond a helpless Verbruggen, completing a stunning comeback and ensuring Japan’s first World Cup match of the tournament ended level at 2-2.
The result extends the Netherlands’ long unbeaten run in World Cup group-stage matches, though Koeman’s side will be frustrated to have surrendered a point after leading twice. For Japan, the draw represents a strong statement of intent. Heading into the tournament without several key players, including the injured Kaoru Mitoma, head coach Hajime Moriyasu’s side showed the resilience that has made them one of the most talked-about dark horses of this World Cup, having recorded notable warm-up wins over Brazil and England in the build-up to the competition.
Speaking after the match, Japan’s players made clear that a single point is only the beginning of their ambitions at this World Cup. Wing-back Yukinari Sugawara said the squad had not travelled to the tournament simply to make up the numbers, insisting the team is determined to fight for a deep run in the competition on behalf of their country and supporters back home.
Both sides now turn their attention to their remaining Group F fixtures. The Netherlands are set to face Sweden, while Japan will take on Tunisia, with Sunday’s late drama leaving the group finely balanced after the opening round of matches. With one point apiece from their first outings, Japan and the Netherlands know that a strong follow-up performance will be crucial to their hopes of advancing further in this World Cup.
