Japan draw 2-2 with Netherlands to earn first point at 2026 World Cup

Japan opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Group A at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Dutch took the lead twice through Virgil van Dijk and Crisencio Summerville in the 51st and 64th minutes before Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada pulled Japan level in the 57th and 89th minutes. The result ended the Netherlands' perfect record of six World Cup wins against Asian opponents. The match was played in Dallas, Texas, the first World Cup fixture held in the city. The Netherlands will face Sweden on June 20 in its next group match, while Japan takes on Tunisia the following day. Sweden and Tunisia are scheduled to meet in the other Group A opener.