Netherlands 2-2 Japan: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

That’s it from our live coverage of the Netherlands 2-2 game against Japan.

The draw felt the right result in the end for both teams, who will leave Dallas with plenty to consider.

There is plenty more World Cup coverage to come, as Al Jazeera is with you all the way to the final, but don’t forget to join our latest live action, which is already under way.

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For now, though – from our World Cup coverage – it’s goodbye from me, Kevin Hand.

Ivory Coast and Ecuador are the next match at the World Cup.

The game in Philadelphia kicks off in 45 minutes.

Click here to read our full match report following the 2-2 draw.

🇳🇱 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐-𝟐 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 🇯🇵

It ended level in Arlington after all four goals arrived in a back-and-forth second half.

This was the first time the Netherlands have failed to win a World Cup game in which they led twice.#NEDJPN pic.twitter.com/WyLlyzISsl

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 14, 2026

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With their seven goals in their thrashing of Curaçao Germany reached 239 goals across the history of the men’s World Cup (including games as West Germany) and overtook Brazil’s tally of 238 to become the all-time leading scorers in the competition’s history. pic.twitter.com/Pt5AlLBlId

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 14, 2026

The next match in the group will be played on Monday, when Sweden and Tunisia open their accounts.

The top spot is up for grabs for a potential winner in that match.

Due to receiving fewer bookings in the match, the Japanese top the group from the Netherlands.

There is no time left for either side to launch a meaningful attack.

Both sides will leave Dallas with plenty to think about.

The Dutch were not clinical enough in the final third, but perhaps the lack of creation did not allow for it.

The Japanese played it safe, and nearly paid a heavy price. They showed, when they stepped up, that they can mix it with the best – maybe we will see more of that in games to come.

Full-time: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Second Half ends, Netherlands 2, Japan 2.

The Netherlands are throwing bodies forward to win this. A deep cross from the right deflects off a Dutch head on its way out of play.

90+3 mins: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

There is a story to be written here, but for which of the sides?

90+1 mins: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Micky van de Ven (Netherlands) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

Japan were always going to have one more moment – and how they took it!

The ball had been flashed across the face only moments before.

The Netherlands never did enough to kill it off, but there is still time.

89 mins: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Goal! Netherlands 2, Japan 2. Daichi Kamada (Japan) header from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Koki Ogawa following a corner.

Substitution, Netherlands. Brian Brobbey replaces Cody Gakpo.

Substitution, Japan. Kento Shiogai replaces Ayase Ueda.

Memphis Depay (Netherlands) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

Substitution, Netherlands. Nathan Aké replaces Ryan Gravenberch.

Sugawara hits the shot straight at the keeper from a central position in the box after a fine move on the right. Should have given the keeper no chance at all from there.

The pace is picking up from Japan.

79 mins: Netherlands 2-1 Japan