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Japan equalised twice to rescue a draw against Netherlands to kick off Group F at the 2026 World Cup.
After a cagey first half, it was a terrific second period. Virgil van Dijk scored shortly after half-time with a pinpoint header before Keito Nakamura equalised from range seven minutes later.
Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead with a great left-footed finish, but his side were pegged back again when Koki Ogawa's header bounced off Daichi Kamada on its way into the back of the net in the 89th minute.
Sweden and Tunisia contest the next Group F game in Monterrey in a couple of hours. We have live coverage of that one on The Athletic.
The Netherlands next play Sweden in Houston on Saturday, while Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey later on the same day.
If today's game is anything to go by, then this should be a fascinating group. Make sure you keep across our coverage to see how it plays out.
Missed today’s action and want to know all the key moments in that thriller?
Well, look no further than The Briefing, where our writers digest all the big moments here at the World Cup.
The latest edition just dropped — you’ll find it on the link below.
GO FURTHER
Japan’s late goal stuns Netherlands: this was the World Cup’s best match so far
Here are the numbers from that lively game in Group F, with the Netherlands enjoying more possession but unable to get the victory.
Let's hear from Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored the first goal of a frantic second half before his side were pegged back.
💬 “It was disappointing, because obviously conceding that late is never good. I think we didn't concede many chances, so we kept it tight, so it's extra disappointing that we conceded from a from a set piece.”
Virgil van Dijk can probably count himself unfortunate to be on the losing team today.
It was a typically domineering performance at the heart of the Netherlands defence from the 34-year-old and his header for the opening goal was superb.
The Dutch captain wasn't happy at all with the defending for the two goals Japan scored and I'm sure will have had words with his team-mates after the match.
It seems hard to believe but that goal from Virgil van Dijk was his first at a major tournament for the Netherlands.
He also became their second-oldest World Cup scorer after Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
He didn't know much about his equalising goal after Ogawa's header bounced off his head and past Netherlands goalkeeper Verbruggen, but Kamada played a starring role for Japan today.
He had more touches than any of his team-mates and snapped into countless challenges — no one made more tackles than the Crystal Palace midfielder out there.
And another stat that Netherlands fans won't want to hear…
That was the first time in six matches their team have failed to win a World Cup match against an Asian nation. They conceding more times today than across their first five games combined.
Kamada's equaliser was Japan's latest ever goal at the World Cup, while the Netherlands have only once conceded a later goal that changed the result of the match outside of extra time.
That was when Mexico equalised in the fifth minute of added time at the 1998 tournament.
Ironic to hear Fox Sports compliment the Japanese fans for their tradition of picking up trash in the stands after matches, and Rob Stone reference the importance of recycling, given Fox News' longtime denial of climate change.
Some Japanese fans have stayed behind at AT&T Stadium after the final whistle to clear litter from the stands.
It's become something of a tradition at major sporting events — and a big reason why Japan is considered the most respectful, hospitable nation at tournaments like this.
Asian teams are resembling a bullet train at the beginning of this World Cup.
Opening game wins for South Korea and Australia, comeback draws for Qatar and Japan.
Can Saudi Arabia keep the fast start going against Uruguay tomorrow night?
Both the Netherlands and Japan have proven themselves to be successful and entertaining major tournament teams.
Could they both do well here at the 2026 World Cup?
Don’t count them out.
Maybe the Netherlands have it in them to outperform expectation back home — which is reported to be pretty low coming into this World Cup.
They sat back far more than they should have done at 2-1 up which allowed Japan a route back in but there were plenty of positives to take.
The joy and despair of a late equaliser perfectly summarised in one photo.
That was a really entertaining match and a point each probably feels about right.
Japan in particular seemed happy to take a draw and took their time on the ball when they won a late turnover right before the full-time whistle, rather than pushing for a winner.
That certainly lived up to all the hype.
This was among the most highly-anticipated group stage matches at this World Cup. A fair point for both sides.
Who had a Japan set piece goal against a Dutch defence on their World Cup bingo card?
A perfectly executed corner routine and header from Koki Ogawa — via Daichi Kamada — to bring his team level.
A moment of individual brilliance from Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands' lead in the second half as he cut inside and found the bottom corner.
Well worthy of the World Cup stage.
Team Stats
NED
JPN
Game Details