World Cup 2026: Netherlands let victory slip as Japan salvage point with last-gasp header
Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup 2026 opener in Texas.
Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their World Cup 2026 Group F opener at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on Sunday, in front of 69,285 fans. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring with a fine header, but Keito Nakamura quickly levelled. Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead with a beautiful curling shot just after the hour mark.
The Netherlands looked set to hold on for victory, but Japan equalised in the 88th minute from a corner. The ball deflected off a player, with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal.
The first half had been cautious, with Netherlands posing the most threat early on. Donyell Malen forced a smart save from Zion Suzuki in the third minute. Japan's first real chance came shortly before the break when Nakamura dragged his effort wide.
The tempo increased dramatically in the second half. Van Dijk's 51st-minute header came from a cross by Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch. The lead lasted only six minutes as Nakamura fired low past Bart Verbruggen, helped by a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
Summerville then made it 2-1 with a curled left-footed effort into the bottom corner in the 64th minute. Both teams made numerous substitutions and had chances before Kamada's chaotic equaliser from a corner.
Later on Sunday, Sweden face Tunisia in the same group. Both Japan and the Netherlands are missing key players due to injury, but were considered dark horses for the tournament. The Netherlands have been runners-up three times, while Japan have never advanced past the round of 16.
