Japan forced a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Group F at AT&T Stadium. Daichi Kamada headed in an 88th‑minute equaliser after a flick‑off from Koki Ogawa, sparking cheers from 69,285 fans. The match, which saw three goals in 13 minutes, left Japan with a valuable point ahead of their next tests against Tunisia and Sweden in a tense Group F.

Van Dijk opened the scoring with a 51st‑minute header off Ryan Gravenberch’s cross, while Japan answered six minutes later through Keito Nakamura’s low drive, initially seeming deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke. Crysencio Summerville thought he had won it in the 64th minute, curling from right past Bart Verbruggen, but Japan’s resilience forced another goal keeping the match alive until the final whistle.

Japan’s comeback twice against a strong Dutch side underscores their claim as a contender for a 2026 title. With key players missing, the Samurai Blue showed depth and determination, earning a point that could prove decisive in a Group F that now includes Tunisia and Sweden. The result signals Japan’s readiness to challenge the World Cup stage today for the competition.