ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The Japan and Netherlands men’s international teams shared points in a spectacular 2-2 draw on their opening match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Netherlands ‘ captain Virgil Van Dijk scored the first goal of the match, with a header that hit the post, deflecting into the net. Ryan Gravenberch assisted on the play with a brilliant cross to Van Dijk.

6 minutes later, after the first goal, Japan was able to strike back with a goal of their own. Takefusa Kubo was in the goalbox surrounded by 3 Netherlands defenders who then passed it to Keito Nakamura, who went just outside the goal box and took a shot out of nowhere, leaving the Netherlands goalkeeper Verbruggen surprised for Japan’s first goal of the tournament.

Just 7 minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead again with another assist from Gravenberch, who passes it to Crysencio Summerville, who was outside the penalty box and curls the ball perfectly into the bottom left side of the post, directing it into the net.

It seemed Japan was not going to equalize the game, as 3 minutes remained of regulation time and multiple chances that came up short, that was until a corner kick for Japan, and Koki Ogawa hit a header to the top of Kamada’s head that went right past Verbruggen for an equalizer goal.

PHOTO BY: JEROME MIRON-IMAGN IMAGES

The #18th-ranked Japan team has proven itself to be a strong team to beat, tying the score 2-2 against the #8th-ranked Netherlands.

The Netherlands will now face a tough Sweden squad in Houston Sat, June 20th, 1:00 PM, and Japan will face Tunisia the following day in Guadalupe Sun, June 21st, 12:00 AM.

STORY BY JULY SANCHEZ COVER PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE WILSON/GETTYIMAGES