Daichi Kamada scores dramatic late equalizer as Japan draw 2-2 against Netherlands at 2026 World Cup Group F game

That brings us to the end of our live blog coverage of Netherland's 2-2 draw with Japan. We’ll be back soon with more coverage.

Although the Netherlands seemed poised to secure a victory over Japan, Kogi Ogawa had other plans, tying the game in the final minutes. This result reflects the reality of the match: it was much more evenly matched than people realize. While Ronald Koeman’s team excelled at building play, Hajime Moriyasu’s team looked to attack on the counter, proving far more effective.

The Netherlands may have shone in their collective play, but their possession was empty and lacking in purpose. As a result, they seemed lost while controlling the ball, failing to cause Japan any real harm. Furthermore, Memphis Depay had a disappointing few minutes, losing possession and giving their opponents an advantage, so the substitutions weren’t entirely effective.

Japan demonstrated that it doesn’t need to dominate to be competitive. By ceding possession to their opponent, they gained composure thanks to their solid defense. Furthermore, they shone on the counterattack, dictating the pace of the game throughout. However, they weren’t very effective either, squandering key scoring opportunities that would have secured them the victory.

After a great cornerkick, Japan's Kogi Ogawa heads the ball, defeating Netherlands defenders. Sending the ball into the corner of the net, he ties the game!

Following Hajime Moriyasu's substitutions, Japan have regained their momentum. Not only are they pressing high up the field, but they're also feeding the ball to their forwards more aggressively. In addition, the wingbacks have stepped up again, pressing high and pinning their opponents back in their own penalty area.

Japan have decided to take off Ayase Ueda. In his place, Kento Shiogai gets on field.

Netherlands have decided to take off Cody Gakpo, getting Brian Brobbey on field.

After being pressed by Japan, Netherlands’ Ronald Koeman has decided to take off Ryan Gravenberch. In this place, Nathan Aké gets on field.    

Although Japan seemed to be regaining their rhythm, Crysencio Summerville’s goal proved devastating. Since then, they have appeared less aggressive on offense, squandering key opportunities to tie the game. Netherlands have regained complete control of the match.

After losing protagonism, Japan have decided to take off Takefusa Kubo, Tsuyoshi Watanabe and Ritsu Doan. In their place, Koki Ogawa, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Yukinari Sugawara get on field.

After Summerville's goal, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has decided to take off Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders. In their place, Memphis Depay, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber get in. 

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Netherlands and Japan.

After Summerville's goal, Japan have decided to adjust the lineup. Daizen Maeda is taken off, and Junya Ito gets on field.

After receiving the ball in the corner of Japan's area, Crysencio Summerville decides to dribble, pause and launch a powerful shoot, scoring a great goal for Netherlands.

After a harsh foul on Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Crysencio Summerville receives a yellow card as he interrupt a clear action of goal. 

Far from giving up, Japan decided to chase a counterattack. After a brilliant pass from Takefusa Kubo, Keito Nakamura controls the ball and launches a solid shoot to defeat Bart Verbruggen.

Following Virgil van Dijk's goal, Netherlands have decided to keep up the intense pressure on Japan. By doing so, they are controlling Japan's counterattacks and creating more opportunities to extend their lead.

After a great cross by Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk receives the ball alone on Japan's area. With a solid head kick, he scored thr first goal of the game for Netherlands!

Just as in the first half,  Netherlands remain the dominant team on the field. Not only do they have more possession, but they’re also suffocating their opponents, cutting off their attacking plays. However, the Japanese defense is so tightly packed that no goals are being scored, as there’s always a player there to stop the action.

Netherlands vs Japan  second half is underway.

The Netherlands began the match by imposing a serious attacking tempo. However, they have not managed to make their possessions effective. Dominating the ball, they are able to reach the opposition penalty area, but Japan keeps cutting out their attacks. By constantly closing down their paths, they are unable to find spaces to shine. In addition, the opponent's solid defensive strategy means there are not many chances to score, so they may need to try more shots from distance.

Japan are not proposing a dominant style, but they are completely effective. After recovering the ball, they attack down the wings and cause a lot of problems for the Netherlands. In addition, they manage to pack numerous defenders into their own penalty area, making it difficult for their opponents to score. However, they have not been able to make their shots effective, as they have already had several attempts, but they have gone wide of the goal.

Netherlands are counting on forcing Japan into mistakes. Since they haven't been effective in front of the goal, they're simply keeping up the pressure on their opponent to force them into errors. However, they haven't been able to capitalize on their few scoring opportunities.

Throughout the game, Netherlands have dominated possession. However, Japan have shown brilliant defensive solidity, consistently thwarting any attempts by their opponents to gain possession. As a result, Koeman’s side dominates, but is very ineffective.

Netherlands dominates possession, but Japan are effective when it gets near the goal. The Asian side needs very little time to attack and cause damage, while Koeman’s team is unable to capitalize on its possession.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Netherlands and Japan.

While Japan have already demonstrated their offensive prowess, Netherlands are the more dangerous team throughout the match. By controlling possession, they are able to create openings in Japan’s defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Unlike at the start of the game, Japan have managed to put pressure on the Netherlands, looking to create danger with crosses. They’re also taking advantage of their speed, gaining an edge over their opponent and coming close to scoring. They’re not looking to show off with the ball; they’re looking for effectiveness.

Although the Netherlands are keeping up the pace of the game, Japan have created openings on offense through counterattacks. With their speed and precision, they switch sides and exploit the spaces their opponents leave behind. As a result, the game seems more evenly matched right now.

As expected, the Netherlands are playing a total possession game. With short, quick passes, they’re creating openings in Japan’s defense. They’ve even had scoring chances so far, making it clear that they’re determined to win at all costs, while Japan remains composed, with little action on their end.

After receiving the ball in the area, Donyell Malen decides to launch a powerful shoot. However, the goalkeeper Suzuki heroically saves the ball.

Netherlands vs Japan 2026 World Cup clash is already underway at Dallas Stadium

It’s not just the Netherlands that’s dealing with a string of injuries—Japan are too. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, they’ve lost Kaoru Mitoma as he suffered a severe hamstring tear on May 9, 2026, while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. With an estimated recovery time of eight weeks, he would return to the pitch at the end of July, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.

They have not only lost Mitoma, but also Takumi Minamino and Wataru Endo, both undisputed starters. While they have players capable of stepping up and taking the lead, head coach Hajime Moriyasu has to readjust his entire game plan, giving a more prominent role to Takefusa Kubo, who is a game-changer.

Throughout Ronald Koeman's tenure, Matthijs de Ligt emerged as an undisputed starter alongside Virgil van Dijk, forming a very solid partnership. However, he had to be ruled out of the 2026 World Cup roster after undergoing back surgery. While they do have Jan Paul van Hecke, he is not a truly experienced player, so this could cost them dearly at crucial moments.

Netherlands have become one of the best national teams in the world. Ronald Koeman has experienced players like Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong who can make a real difference. He also has promising young players like Micky van de Ven, Crysencio Summerville, and Noa Lang who could be game-changers. However, the absence of Xavi Simons and Jurrien Timber may be harder than expected.

Both Simons and Timber were key players for the Netherlands, regularly starting under Koeman. Without Xavi on the field, they lose one of the most impactful wingers in the world, as he was the team’s creative hub. While Denzel Dumfries shines on the right wing, Timber’s absence is a concern because he offers a more defensive profile that the team may need at times.

Looking for a decisive victory, Japan have fielded their strongest lineup for their debut in the 2026 World Cup. With Kaoru Mitoma sidelined due to injury, head coach Hajime Moriyasu has decided to start Daizen Maeda alongside Takefusa Kubo in the attacking midfield duo. In addition, Ayase Ueda will be tasked with leading the attack, looking to showcase his true talent.

Netherlands have decided to field their strongest lineup for their debut in the 2026 World Cup. With Simons out, Cody Gakpo takes over at left wing, looking to find gaps in Japan's defense. Additionally, Crysencio Summerville edges out Noa Lang for the right wing spot. Finally, head coach Ronald Koeman has decided not to make any changes to the defense, sticking with Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Micky van de Ven.

Netherlands vs Japan is set to start at 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT.

You can watch 2026 World Cup game live on Fubo here.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between Netherlands and Japan in the 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.