FIFA World Cup 2026, Japan hold Netherlands 2-2: Key stats
15 Jun 2026

Japan staged a remarkable comeback to hold the Netherlands to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F encounter at Arlington, Texas.

The match saw four goals, all scored in the second half, with three coming within a span of just 14 minutes.

The result was particularly significant for Japan as it ended their streak of winning opening matches in three of the last four World Cups.

Meanwhile, the Dutch have never lost their opening group stage game of a World Cup tournament.

Japan equalize immediately after van Dijk's goal
Goal exchange

The match was a high-octane affair with both teams attacking aggressively. Netherlands striker Donyell Malen tested Zion Suzuki early on with a fierce shot.

Virgil van Dijk scored the first goal for the Netherlands in the 51st minute, heading home Ryan Gravenberch's cross.

However, Japan equalized just six minutes later through Keito Nakamura who found the back of the net with a powerful shot from outside the area.

Ogawa's header helps Japan earn a point
Resilience

The Netherlands regained their lead in the 64th minute with a stunning strike from Crysencio Summerville that hit the far post and went in.

But Japan showed their fighting spirit and equalized again two minutes from time when substitute Koki Ogawa's brilliant header from a corner deflected off Daichi Kamada into the net.

Here are the match stats
Fact

Netherlands had 10 attempts with six shots on target. Japan also had 10 attempts with three shots on target. Netherlands had 32 touches in the opposition box. Japan managed 13 such touches. Netherlands dominated possession (59.80%) and completed 464 passes.