World Cup
8:00 p.mJune 14, 2026
Group stage – 1
AT&T Stadium
Referee: Ismail Elfath, USA
Netherlands
Japan
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.70
Expected Goals (xG)
0.54
Passing by
442 (89%)
Accurate passes
279 (84%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Zion Suzuki
8.0
21
d
Hiroki Itō
6.3
3
d
Shogo Taniguchi
6.7
16
d
Tsuyoshi Watanabe
6.3
M
Keito Nakamura
57′
M
Daichi Kamada
88′
24
M
Kaishu Sano
6.2
10
M
Ritsu Doan (C)
6.5
11
F
Daizen Maeda
6.2
F
Takefusa Kubo
57′
18
F
Ayase Ueda
6.7
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The Netherlands and Japan shared the spoils in a thrilling World Cup clash at AT&T Stadium, with both sides showing attacking intent in a 2-2 draw that kept Group A wide open.
The Netherlands dominated possession with 59% of the ball but could not convert their territorial advantage into three points. Japan’s resilience and clinical finishing earned them a well-deserved point in Arlington, Texas. The result leaves both teams with work to do in their remaining group games.
Holland controlled the early stages without creating clear openings. The Dutch midfield dictated the game, but the Japanese defense remained compact and organised. Both teams felt out of sorts for a cautious first 50 minutes with few real scoring chances.
Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, rising above the Japanese defense to power home. The captain’s goal gave Holland the advantage they deserved due to their possession and territorial control. However, Japan responded immediately with typical composure.
Keito Nakamura equalized just six minutes later in the 57th minute, latching on to a loose ball to tie the game. The Japanese midfielder’s quick reaction showed that his team would not go away quietly. The momentum had shifted dramatically in a matter of minutes.
Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ lead in the 64th minute with a clinical finish. The winger found space in the area and dismissed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to make it 2-1. Summerville’s performance earned him a match rating of 8.3, the highest on the pitch.
Holland looked set to hold on for victory with 26 minutes remaining. The Dutch team had created 10 shots on goal compared to Japan’s 3. However, defensive lapses would prove costly in the closing stages.
Daichi Kamada struck in the 88th minute to level the game at 2-2. The Japanese midfielder’s late goal made for a frantic finish with both teams searching for a winner. The Netherlands pushed forward but could not find the breakthrough.
The statistics revealed the offensive dominance of the Netherlands. They recorded 10 shots in total to Japan’s 10, although the Dutch had 6 shots on target. Expected goals favored Holland at 0.7 compared to Japan’s 0.54.
Both teams showed discipline, without a single red card. The Netherlands received three yellow cards while Japan avoided bookings altogether. The Dutch completed 442 of 499 passes with 89% accuracy.
Suzuki made four crucial saves for Japan, keeping his team in the contest throughout the game. Van Dijk and Nakamura each scored to lead their teams’ attacking efforts. The draw leaves Group A well balanced with several games to play.
