Netherlands and Japan share the spoils in a pulsating Dallas draw

A late Daichi Kamada leveller cancelled out Crysencio Summerville's second-half strike to leave Group F wide open, as Japan's 3-4-3 frustrated an experienced Dutch side at Dallas Stadium.

Ronald Koeman's Netherlands arrived in Arlington as favourites, but Hajime Moriyasu's Samurai Blue proved once again why they are one of the most tactically cohesive sides in this tournament. A goalless first half belied the tension on the pitch, with Frenkie de Jong dictating tempo but finding Japan's compact 3-4-3 block almost impossible to penetrate.

The second half exploded into life when captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest from a corner to put the Oranje ahead on 51 minutes — his composure at set-pieces a constant weapon. But Japan's response was immediate: Keito Nakamura cut inside and fired a precise effort past Bart Verbruggen just six minutes later to restore parity.

"We gave them too much space in that final third. Kamada's goal in the 89th was a painful lesson."

Crysencio Summerville looked to have won it for the Dutch on 64 minutes, combining beautifully with Donyell Malen before slotting home coolly. Netherlands pushed for a third but Japan refused to buckle. In the 89th minute, Daichi Kamada latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and slid the equaliser home — sending Japan's fans into delirium and leaving Group F perfectly poised.

With the draw, Japan sit second on goal difference, while Netherlands drop to third. Both sides will need to win their final group stage fixtures to secure safe passage to the round of sixteen.

Starting lineups

Dallas Stadium, Arlington · Sunday 14 June 2026 · 15:00 local time 

Watch match highlights (2:15)
 

Here's the match report for the Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026™ clash! It covers:

• The 2–2 full-time scoreline and Group F standings
• All four goals with scorers and minutes (Van Dijk 51', Nakamura 57', Summerville 64', Kamada 89')
• Match narrative — Japan's resilient 3-4-3 system, the late equaliser drama, and what it means for the group
• Both starting lineups with formations
• A direct link to the FIFA highlights reel