Japan and Netherlands draw 2-2 in World Cup opener

Japan secured a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup Group F opener following a dramatic second half. Daichi Kamada scored an equalizer for Japan in the 88th minute, after goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville for the Netherlands, and Keito Nakamura for Japan. The match was a key fixture in the early stages of the tournament.

In other FIFA World Cup 2026 news, day five features former champions Spain and Uruguay kicking off their campaigns. Spain is scheduled to face Cabo Verde, while Uruguay will play Saudi Arabia. The day's schedule also includes matches between Belgium and Egypt, and Iran and New Zealand. The tournament is being hosted across multiple North American countries, specifically the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Separately, a display of civic responsibility by Japanese football fans has gone viral. Following their team's 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, fans gathered at Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing to celebrate. When the traffic lights changed, the fans proceeded to clear the streets, ensuring traffic could flow, a gesture that has been widely praised.