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.
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.
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88' - JAPAN SCORE! (2-2)
After a corner kick, Japan score their second goal with Kamada and a great header.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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:
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:
Santiago Tovar is a bilingual sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in 2024. With over seven years of experience, he has covered a diverse range of sports, including soccer, NFL, NBA, tennis, and Formula 1. Santiago has provided real-time coverage of major events such as the 2021 Women's Copa America, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and the Davis Cup qualifiers. Before joining Bolavip US, he worked at Kienyke.com and Redmas.com.co, where he developed strategies to highlight key sports moments across websites and social media platforms.