Netherlands vs Japan LIVE: Nakamura scores in the 2026 World Cup game in Dallas! (1-1)

It's a back to back game between Japan and the Netherlands. Another goal can happen soon.

With the equalizer by Japan, Van Dijk found out that he can make a great impact in Japan's area and want to score again.

Nakamura found a space to shot on target and Japan scored the equalizer.

Despite they received the first goal of the game, Japan are waiting and see what happens to create a dangerous chance.

Despite Van Dijk's goal, they don't slow down and their intensity keeps going on at Dallas Stadium.

A great header from Liverpool's defender sent the ball right to the left post of Japan's goalkeeper Suzuki and with it, they scored the first goal of the game.

As the Netherlands are defending with different blocks, Japan are trying to find a space behind that wall and with it, create dangerous chances.

After the halftime, the Netherlands decided to try and score with a great play, but Japan's defense were outstanding.

Ismail Elfath blows his whistle and the second half is underway.

• Ball possession: Netherlands 69% - Japan 31%.
• Total shots: Netherlands 5 - Japan 3.
• Shots on target: Netherlands 3 - Japan 0.
• Corner kicks: Netherlands 3 - Japan 1.
• Yellow cards: 0
• Red card: 0

The referee blows his whistle and the first half is over.

Three minutes of additional time.

With Kamada and Tariguchi leading the charge, Japan are just passing the ball until the first half finished.

Not too much emotion in the game, with the Netherlands trying to attack, but Japan just defending.

Netherlands 68%, Japan 32%

With the free kick, Gakpo received the ball after Van Djik's headed right to the player, but he sent the ball pretty far away.

With a corner kick, the Netherlands were close to score with Malen heading on their area. Japan are safe now.

As one of their main keys to create danger, Cody Gakpo has been contended by Japan's defenders, with the Samurais currently winning the duel.

With Japan's strategy to defend their area, the Netherlands are trying new ways to penetrate and score the first goal of the game.

After the hydration break, Japan are showing their interest on winning the game, but the Netherlands defend so well.

Both teams are on the field and the match restart.

Time to hydrate.

With multiple passes in Japan's area, De Jong is trying to look for a teammate in solitary, as Japan just wait and see right now.

By using Maeda, Ueda and Kubo, Japan press the Netherlands on their area, and that have led to mistakes.

The Netherlands 57%, Japan 43%

After waiting for the Netherlands on their area to score, Japan now take the ball possession to create dangerous situations.

After struggling first 8 minutes, Japan start to create a series of transitions from defense to attack, and the Netherlands wait on their area.

With the only clear chance for the Netherlands and a series movements in Japan's defensive line, Malen is a menace for the Asian team.

The Netherlands 86%, Japan 14%.

With the Netherlands starting in a frenetic rhythm, Japan seemed confused on the field. However, they are trying to secure a goal with free kicks near Netherlands' goalkeeper.

Malen took advantage of a great passing from his teammates, and when he shot in Japan's area, goalkeeper Suzuki sent the ball to the corner kick.

Since the beginning of the game, the Netherlands are moving the ball in Japan's area.

Referee Elfath blows his whistle and the first half is underway!

Japan and the Netherlands are on the field to play the Group F opening match at Dallas Stadium.

The Netherlands and Japan have met three times in senior men's international football. Historically, the Dutch side holds the upper hand, remaining completely undefeated across their previous matchups, with two victories and one tie. The most recent one was back in 2013 when they met in an international friendly, and ended in a 2-2 tie.

Both teams are now getting ready for their Group F debut, after they were warming up on the field.

The Netherlands are widely considered a lock to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament, and the fallout from this match will trigger several scenarios for the Europeans moving forward.

When Ronald Koeman finalized his 26-man roster for the Netherlands' 2026 World Cup campaign, he made the shocking decision to leave out two of the country's most high-profile, globally recognized stars:

• Xavi Simons was a stunning omission
• Jurrien Timber was ruled out just days before the tournament

Also, Koeman decided to not start with Memphis Depay against Japan today at Dallas Stadium.

With multiple cities across the continent sharing hosting duties for the 2026 World Cup, this high-stakes matchup will take center stage in a premier American sports market as Dallas opens the gates of its iconic stadium to host the upcoming clash between the Netherlands and Japan.

Japan's starting XI: Zion Suzuki; Shogo Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hiroki Ito; Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ayase Ueda.

Netherlands' starting XI: Bart Verbruggen; Virgil van Djik, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Denzel Dumfries; Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reinjders, Frenkie De Jong; Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen Crysencio Summerville.

One of the best referees in America, Ismail Elfath, will officiate this Group F opener between the Netherlands and Japan. This is the rest of the North America officiating:

• Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
• Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker (United States)
• Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins (United States)
• Fourth Official: Arturo Ramos (Mexico)

The Netherlands will face a formidable test right out of the gate, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Japan, a side currently sitting comfortably within the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings.

Netherlands vs Japan will get underway at 4:00 PM (PT: 1:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup match between the Netherlands and Japan live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium.

Welcome to our live blog of this 2026 World Cup Group D matchup!

The Netherlands face Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, looking to make a strong start.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as the Netherlands and Japan clash in Arlington!