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Kamada becomes a hero for Japan in 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in 2026 World Cup

The Netherlands and Japan delivered an absolute classic in their Group F opener at the 2026 World Cup, with Daichi Kamada emerging as the hero to propel the Japanese side to a thrilling result.

Daichi Kamada #15 of Japan.
© Francois Nel/Getty ImagesDaichi Kamada #15 of Japan.

One of the most intense matchups of the 2026 World Cup so far wrapped up with a thrilling 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan. In a high-stakes Group F opener, Daichi Kamada emerged as the hero for the Samurai Blue, striking a late equalizer to ensure both sides split the points in the standings.

Following a cagey and hard-fought first half, the game completely opened up after the intermission as both heavyweights showcased their tactical depth and elite talent. The explosive second-half display sets a high bar for the remainder of the tournament as both nations now await the outcome of the group’s other opening match between Sweden and Tunisia.

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Japan and Netherlands tied 2-2 in the 2026 World Cup group F match and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.

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90+6' - THE MATCHUP ENDS (2-2)

After an outstanding game between the Netherlands and Japan, both teams split points and have gave the best matchup so far in the World Cup.

90+4' - The Netherlands now have the ball possession (2-2)

After defending the result, the Netherlands are now with the ball trying to score.

90+2' - The Netherlands wake up (2-2)

After the equalizer, the Netherlands want to score the winning goal in the last minutes.

90' - Additional time (2-2)

Six minutes of additional time.

88' - JAPAN SCORE! (2-2)

After a corner kick, Japan score their second goal with Kamada and a great header.

87' - The Netherlands are holding their result (2-1)

After the Netherlands scored their second goal, Japan have taken control of the game.

85' - Japan doesn't surrender (2-1)

They are looking a way to score another goal, but the Netherlands are defending outstandingly.

82' - Japan keep trying (2-1)

With just eight minutes to finish the game, Japan understand that they need to attack as they are losing.

80' - The Netherlands defend (2-1)

After they have attacked almost the whole matchup, the Netherlands are now defending while Japan attack.

77' - Japan are in the Netherlands area (2-1)

With a clear mission to score, Japan are trying hard to create a dangerous situations.

75' - Substitutions for Japan (2-1)

Tomiyasu, Ogawa, Sugawara are in, Watanabe, Kubo, Doan are out.

73' -The Netherlands want the third goal (2-1)

With free kicks and corner kicks, the Netherlands want to score their third goal of the game.

71' - Japan want the equalizer (2-1)

After a great performance from the Netherlands, Japan decided to leave their ball possession on their area and go for it.

69' - The match restart (2-1)

After the cooling break, both teams are on the field again.

66' - Gakpo wants to score another one for the Netherlands (2-1)

After their second goal, the Netherlands want to score with Gakpo, as Japan already decided to seek for their goal.

64' - SUMMERVILLE SCORES! (2-1)

After a great play entering in Japan's area, Summerville decided to shot on target and scored Netherlands' second goal.

62' - Japan and Netherlands are playing an exciting match (1-1)

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

60' - Van Dijk is Netherlands' leader (1-1)

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.

57' - JAPAN SCORE (1-1)

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

55' - Japan are not in a hurry (1-0)

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

53' - The Netherlands want to score another goal (1-0)

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

50' - VAN DIJK SCORES! (1-0)

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.

49' - Japan try with crossed passes (0-0)

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

47' - The Netherlands show intensity in the game (0-0)

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

45' - Second half is underway! (0-0)

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

First half stats

  • 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

45+3' - Halftime (0-0)

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

45' - Additional time (0-0)

Three minutes of additional time.

42' - Japan now have the ball (0-0)

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

40' - A boring much at this point (0-0)

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

38' - Ball possession (0-0)

Netherlands 68%, Japan 32%

36' - Gakpo lost a clear chance (0-0)

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.

34' - The Netherlands find a great way to create danger (0-0)

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

32' - Cody Gakpo in action (0-0)

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.

30' - The Netherlands need to find their wingers (0-0)

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

27' - Japan have a better attitude (0-0)

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

25' - The match restart (0-0)

Both teams are on the field and the match restart.

22' - Cooling break (0-0)

Time to hydrate.

20' - Frenkie De Jong leads the attack (0-0)

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.

18' - Japan press Netherlands' exit (0-0)

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

16' - Ball possession (0-0)

The Netherlands 57%, Japan 43%

14' - Japan look different right now (0-0)

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

12' - Japan wake up (0-0)

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

10' - Malen is the most dangerous player for the Netherlands (0-0)

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.

8' - Ball possession (0-0)

The Netherlands 86%, Japan 14%.

6' - Japan seem confused (0-0)

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.

4' - First chance for the Netherlands (0-0)

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.

2' - The Netherlands keep the ball possession so far (0-0)

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

0' - First half underway! (0-0)

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

Both teams are on the field

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

H2H between the Netherlands and Japan

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 head to the locker room at Dallas Stadium

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

Potential scenarios for the Netherlands against Japan

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.

Two absences for the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup

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:

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

Today's city and venue for this game

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 lineup

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 lineup

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.

Today's referees

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)

Japan's current ranking

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.

Start time and how to watch

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.

The Netherlands and Japan clash in 2026 World Cup opener

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!

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