Japan produced a remarkable display of resilience at AT&T; Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, clawing back from a 2-1 deficit in the 89th minute to earn a draw against the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match captivated all 69,285 spectators and stands as one of the most entertaining contests of the tournament so far.

A game that had everything

Japan arrived in Texas already dealing with significant absentees. Star attackers Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma had been ruled out of the tournament through injury before it began, and captain Wataru Endo withdrew with a foot problem, simultaneously announcing his international retirement.

Despite those setbacks, Japan — ranked 18th in the world — pushed the eighth-ranked Netherlands from the first whistle. Donyell Malen drew an early save from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a powerful effort, and Jan Paul van Hecke was denied by a point-blank stop from Suzuki shortly after.

Goals galore in the second half

The match truly ignited after the break. Ryan Gravenberch delivered a precise cross that Virgil van Dijk headed home to put the Netherlands ahead. Japan responded without delay — Keito Nakamura fired a shot on his weaker right foot that squeezed past Bart Verbruggen at the near post to level the score.

Gravenberch then turned provider again, teeing up Crysencio Summerville at the edge of the box. The West Ham winger cut inside onto his left and drove a superb finish into the bottom corner, restoring the Dutch lead.

Japan's outlook darkened further when creative force Takefusa Kubo was withdrawn in the 75th minute with a knock. Cody Gakpo almost made it three with a low, driven effort that Suzuki denied with a firm save.

Japan refuse to go quietly

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman attempted to protect the lead with defensive substitutions — bringing on Teun Koopmeiners for Summerville and Nathan Aké for Gravenberch — but the move backfired. Japan's inverted wingers and overlapping wingbacks continued to probe, and the pressure eventually told.

In the 89th minute, substitute Koki Ogawa won a corner kick, and Daichi Kamada rose to head home the equaliser, sealing a hard-fought point for the Samurai Blue.