Kamada strikes late as Japan hold Netherlands in World Cup Opener
In Arlington, Texas, Japan’s Daichi Kamada scored an 88th-minute equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening Group F clash at the 2026 World Cup, Qazinform News Agency learnt from Kyodo.
The Netherlands captain headed in early in the second half.
Keito Nakamura leveled with a low drive after Takefusa Kubo’s setup.
Summerville's strike restored the Dutch lead in the 64th minute.
Kamada’s late goal redirected header from Koki Ogawa to seal the draw.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu praised his players’ resilience: “They didn’t give up after twice going behind… it’s a valuable point.”
Kamada emphasized team spirit: “We’ve shown the accumulation of four, eight years of work.”
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk admitted disappointment but noted Japan’s strength on the counterattack.
Japan extended Moriyasu’s unbeaten run against European teams to 10 matches (8 wins, 2 draws). The result demonstrates Japan’s growing confidence on the global stage.
Next Japan face Tunisia on Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Brazil and Qatar both opened with draws at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Brazil and Morocco finished 1-1 in Group C and Qatar held Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in Group B.
