ARLINGTON, Tex. — Japan once again showed why it has become one of the most resilient teams in international soccer, rallying from behind twice to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in an entertaining FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener at AT&T Stadium.
A late equalizer credited to Daichi Kamada rescued a valuable point for Japan in a match that sprang to life after a scoreless first half and featured four goals in a thrilling final 40 minutes.
The result leaves both nations with a point in what is expected to be one of the tournament's most competitive groups.
For much of the first half, opportunities were limited as both teams struggled to find space in a tightly contested midfield battle. The Netherlands controlled possession, while Japan remained organized defensively, preventing clear scoring chances.
The match finally exploded into action shortly after halftime.
The Dutch broke through in the 51st minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose unmarked inside the penalty area and powered home a header from a cross delivered by Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch.
The goal appeared to give the Netherlands control, but Japan responded almost immediately.
Just six minutes later, star winger Takefusa Kubo found Keito Nakamura outside the penalty area. Nakamura drifted into space and unleashed a low strike that deflected off Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke and past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer energized Japan, but the Dutch regained the advantage in the 64th minute thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Crysencio Summerville.
The winger cut inside from the right flank, bypassed an overlapping run from Denzel Dumfries and curled a left-footed shot beyond Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and in off the post to restore the Netherlands' lead.
Facing defeat, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu aggressively reshaped his team, using all five substitutions in search of another equalizer.
The move paid off.
Japan steadily increased the pressure during the closing stages, forcing the Netherlands deeper into its own half and creating a series of dangerous set-piece opportunities.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute.
A corner kick from Junya Ito found substitute Koki Ogawa, who rose above the defense and directed a powerful header toward goal. The ball appeared destined for the net before taking a final touch off Kamada, wrong-footing Verbruggen and bouncing over the line for the dramatic equalizer.
The goal capped a spirited comeback and preserved Japan's unbeaten start to the tournament.
The draw continues a recent trend of strong World Cup performances by Japan, which reached the knockout stage in each of the past two tournaments and earned notable victories over Germany and Spain during its memorable run in Qatar four years ago.
For the Netherlands, the result was frustrating after leading twice. Coach Ronald Koeman saw his side produce several moments of quality but fail to close out the match against a determined Japanese squad.
The point keeps both teams well positioned in Group F, where every result could prove crucial in the race for advancement.
While the Dutch may view the draw as two points lost, Japan left Dallas with renewed confidence after once again demonstrating the resilience and tactical flexibility that have become hallmarks of Moriyasu's team.
In a tournament already producing dramatic finishes, Kamada's late touch ensured one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round ended with honors even.