The Netherlands Japan World Cup 2026 Group F opener had everything two lead changes, four spectacular goals, and a 89th-minute equaliser that left Dallas Stadium buzzing. Goals from Van Dijk and Summerville for the Netherlands were cancelled out by Nakamura and Kamada for Japan, as substitute Koki Ogawa’s header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.
How the Netherlands vs Japan World Cup 2026 Thriller Unfolded
After a rather cagey first half between arguably the greatest nation never to win football’s biggest prize and a side many fancy as dark horses this summer, Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring five minutes after the break. An unmarked Van Dijk headed home from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch’s cross.
The Dutch lead lasted just six minutes as Takefusa Kubo passed to Keito Nakamura, who drifted outside the area before rifling low into the net via a ricochet. Ronald Koeman’s side responded quickly Crysencio Summerville stepped inside to curl a perfectly measured shot in off the post in the 64th minute, restoring the advantage with 25 minutes to play.
Japan, who famously beat Germany and Spain from behind at Qatar 2022, kept pushing. Daichi Kamada’s unwitting headed goal in the 89th minute a corner from Junya Ito, nodded by substitute Koki Ogawa took a deflection before beating goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
What the Draw Means for Group F
Ronald Koeman’s Dutch have been discussed as possible tournament winners, while Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan are viewed as a possible dark horse. There are reasons to believe in both sides after this beauty. The Netherlands play Sweden next, while Japan face Tunisia and Sweden and Tunisia can look to their own opener as a way to take points that will put either in the group driver’s seat.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group F: Full Preview →
Full highlights are available at FIFA.com.
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