Kamada strikes late as Japan earn thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands

Daichi Kamada headed home in the 89th minute as Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in Dallas, despite goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville.

Japan announced themselves as serious contenders at the 2026 World Cup, twice coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium in Dallas — with Daichi Kamada heading home a dramatic equaliser in the 89th minute.

The Dutch had looked in control after the break. Captain Virgil van Dijk rose to meet Ryan Gravenberch's delivery to open the scoring on 51 minutes, and when Crysencio Summerville restored their lead on 64 — again teed up by the excellent Gravenberch — it seemed enough.

But Japan refused to fold. They had already levelled the first time through Keito Nakamura on 57 minutes, and they found a way again at the death: Koki Ogawa nodded a corner across goal and Kamada was there to head in, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Japanese support.

It is a result that says much about Japan's growth — fearless, organised and full of running, they matched one of the tournament favourites blow for blow. For the Netherlands, two points dropped from a winning position will frustrate, even if the quality of their goals offered encouragement.

Group F looks wide open as a result, with both sides knowing there is work still to do. For fans in Kenya, it was a reminder that the gap between Europe's elite and Asia's best has narrowed to almost nothing.