Last Updated on June 18, 2026
Netherlands and Japan settled for a 2-2 draw at Dallas Stadium in the World Cup opening clash following a goalless first half.
The first half was goalless, but straight after half-time, Virgil van Dijk made his mark as he netted with an assist by Ryan Gravenberch to give Netherlands the lead.
With 57 minutes on the clock Japan’s Keito Nakamura found the net following a Takefusa Kubo assist to equalise.
Netherlands took the lead just seven minutes later as Crysencio Summerville found the net with an assist by Ryan Gravenberch.
The equaliser came when Daichi Kamada scored for Japan with an assist by Koki Ogawa.
The next World Cup games for Netherlands are Sweden on 20 June and Tunisia on 26 June. Japan play Tunisia on 21 June and Sweden on 26 June.