In Dallas, Japan forced a dramatic finish when Daichi Kamada slotted an 89‑minute winner to earn a 2‑2 draw with the Netherlands. The match, the Group F opener, flipped after a slow first half, leaving both sides scrambling for points. Kamada's strike came after a deflected header by Kento Shiogai, denying the Dutch a clear lead.

Virgil van Dijk opened scoring for the Dutch with a header off Ryan Gravenberch’s cross at 51 minutes, but Japan answered swiftly. Keito Nakamura levelled within seven minutes, his shot ricocheting off Jan Paul Van Hecke before slipping past Bart Verbruggen. The exchange set the tone for a tense second half.

Japan's late equaliser surprised pundits, as the team had already beaten Brazil and England earlier this year. The draw leaves both sides level on points, tightening Group F standings. Netherlands still hold pressure, but the loss may dent their confidence heading into the next round for the tournament at hand.

With the draw, Japan moves forward with a single point, while the Dutch find themselves chasing victories to stay in contention. Coaches will reassess tactics after conceding a last‑minute goal. Fans in both camps now face a tougher path as Group F progresses toward the knockout stages and preparing for the next matches in the future.