Netherlands and Japan share the spoils in pulsating Group F opener

The 2026 World Cup's Group F began with a breathless 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a result that hinted the section would be tighter than the seedings suggested. Both sides led and both were pegged back, leaving the points shared in front of a buoyant Texas crowd.

Trading blows

The first half stayed goalless before the game burst open. Virgil van Dijk rose to head the Netherlands in front in the 51st minute, only for Keito Nakamura to level for Japan six minutes later in the 57th. The Dutch restored their lead through Crysencio Summerville in the 64th minute, his finish capping a slick move down the flank.

Kamada has the last word

Japan refused to fold and were rewarded in the 88th minute when Daichi Kamada arrived to settle the contest at 2-2. The Samurai Blue's persistence and pressing repeatedly unsettled a Netherlands side that flickered rather than dominated.

The draw set the tone for an open group and left both contenders confident of progressing, with the Netherlands' defensive lapses and Japan's resilience the headline talking points heading into matchday two.