Japan strike late to hold Netherlands 2-2 in Dallas

Japan scored in the 89th minute to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in a tense World Cup 2026 Group F match in Dallas.

The game was short on clear chances for long spells, with the Netherlands enjoying slightly more of the ball but finding Ziyen Suzuki in fine form. Japan also threatened late in the first half, without making it count.

The Dutch finally broke through six minutes after the restart when Ryan Gravenberch crossed for Virgil van Dijk to head home in the 51st minute. Japan levelled six minutes later through a Kaito Nakamura strike.

Crisensio Sarmoville put the Netherlands back in front in the 64th minute with a left-foot finish, and Ronald Koeman’s side controlled much of the play after that. Japan still found a way back, though, as substitute Koki Ogawa nodded in the equaliser in the 89th minute.