Shock from Japan to Netherlands in 88th: 2-2

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opening match, Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The match, which ended 0-0 in the first half, was marked by four goals in the second half. In the 51st minute, Virgil van Dijk put Netherlands 1-0 ahead with Ryan Gravenberch's assist. In the 57th minute, Japan equalised with Keito Nakamura with Takefusa Kubo's assist: 1-1. In the 61st minute, Crysencio Summerville saw a yellow card. In the 64th minute, Summerville brought 2-1 with Gravenberch's assist again. Japan brought Daizen Maeda to the game in the 66th minute in place of Junya Ito.

Ronald Koeman made three substitutions at once in the 70th minute: Memphis Depay in place of Donyell Malen; Teun Koopmeiners in place of Summerville; Quinten Timber in place of Tijjani Reijnders. On the Japan side, three substitutions came at once in the 75th minute: Tomiyasu (Watanabe), Ogawa (Kubo due to injury) and Sugawara (Doan) were brought to the game. In the 81st minute, Nathan Aké replaced Gravenberch. In the 83rd minute, Memphis Depay saw a yellow card for pushing. In the 84th minute, Japan made the Shiogai/Ueda change. In the 85th minute, Brian Brobbey replaced Cody Gakpo. In the 88th minute, Daichi Kamada sent Japan's equaliser to the nets with Ogawa's assist: 2-2. In the 90+1 minute, Micky van de Ven saw a yellow card.

In the match's statistics, Netherlands stood out. In expected goal value, Oranje produced 0.79, Japan 0.54. In ball possession, Netherlands caught a 60 percent ratio, Japan 40 percent. In total shots, both teams attempted 10 each. In big chances, Netherlands was in a 1-0 superior position. In touches in the opponent's penalty box, Netherlands produced 32, Japan 19. The match's referee is American Ismail Elfath. The match was watched by 69,285 spectators. Both teams earned one point each in the first match of Group F.

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