Netherlands 2–2 Japan
Japan rescued a point in extraordinary fashion as Ogawa struck in the 89th minute to cancel out Summerville’s earlier effort, leaving the 2026 World Cup Group F opener locked at 2–2. It was a result that felt unlikely when Netherlands led with just over twenty minutes to play, but Japan refused to yield.
Van Dijk gave Netherlands the lead in the 51st minute, opening the scoring and giving his side what looked like a firm grip on the match. Japan hit back almost immediately, however, with Nakamura levelling in the 57th minute to restore parity in a breathless spell of football.
Summerville Strikes Before Ogawa Responds
Netherlands regained the advantage when Summerville scored in the 64th minute, nudging his side back in front and seemingly on course for three points in their opening Group F fixture of the World Cup 2026 hub.
Japan, though, had other ideas. Deep into the match, in the 89th minute, Ogawa produced a composed finish to bring Japan level for the second time and deny Netherlands what would have been a winning start to the tournament.
The point leaves both sides tied at the top of Group F on one point each after one game played. Sweden and Tunisia, yet to play their opening matches, sit on zero points. You can follow how the group develops via the live World Cup 2026 standings.
A share of the spoils may feel like a missed opportunity for Netherlands, who twice held the lead, while Japan will take considerable encouragement from their ability to respond under pressure, twice coming from behind to avoid defeat in their opening game of the competition.