SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) opened their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign on 14 June (local time) with a Group F encounter against the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in the United States.

Facing what many regarded as the strongest side in the group, Japan lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) started in goal behind a back three of WATANABE Tsuyoshi (Feyenoord), TANIGUCHI Shogo (Sint-Truidense VV) and ITO Hiroki (Bayern Munich), the same defensive trio that helped secure a memorable 1-0 victory over England in March.

The double pivot was also unchanged, with SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05) and KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace) operating in central midfield. DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) and NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) were deployed as wing-backs, while KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad) and MAEDA Daizen (Celtic FC) supported lone striker UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord).

Maeda’s inclusion on the left side of the attacking midfield pair was a notable tactical decision, as he had rarely started in that role previously. In such an important opening fixture, however, his contribution was expected to extend beyond attack. Working closely with Nakamura on the left flank, he helped contain the Netherlands’ wide threats while also pressing Frenkie DE JONG, the focal point of the Dutch build-up play.

As the Dutch gradually began to impose themselves through their composed possession play, Japan were forced deeper into their own half and conceded a free-kick on the left side of their defence. In the 50th minute, Tijjani REIJNDERS delivered the ball into the area following a set piece, and Virgil VAN DIJK rose to head home and give the Netherlands the lead.

Japan, however, refused to let the game slip away.

As Doan later explained, the key was to avoid allowing the deficit to grow. “As long as we keep the gap at one goal, there will always come a point when the opposition begin to protect their lead mentally, and that creates opportunities for us to push forward. I learned that during the World Cup in Qatar.”

Japan equalised in the 57th minute. Kubo drifted across from the right side of the attack, drawing defenders towards him before releasing Nakamura on the left. Nakamura sized up his defender before firing a low right-footed shot through his legs and into the net.

Japan fell behind again in the 64th minute when they were unable to prevent Crysencio SUMMERVILLE from cutting inside and finishing, but once more they refused to lose belief. Remaining patient and disciplined, they continued to wait for their moment.

That moment arrived in the 87th minute. Substitute ITO Junya (KRC Genk) delivered a corner into the penalty area, where OGAWA Koki (NEC Nijmegen) attacked the ball with a powerful header. Kamada got the slightest touch on its way through and was credited with the goal, but the equaliser owed much to Ogawa’s ability to convert crosses into chances, a quality he himself describes as one of his greatest strengths.

The late goal secured a valuable draw and a hard-earned point from Japan’s opening match of the tournament.

“I cannot say we are satisfied with one point,” said head coach MORIYASU Hajime after the match. “But I believe it was a point worth more than just one.”

Moriyasu praised his players for their determination and character after they twice fought back against one of the tournament favourites.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
I believe the support from Japanese fans both in Japan and around the world helped our players continue fighting right until the end. I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement. My impression is simply that the Netherlands are a very strong team. Falling behind twice against a side of that quality and still managing to come back is never easy. But the players stayed united, never lost belief and continued to battle right to the final whistle. Of course, it is disappointing not to have taken all three points. At the same time, the match showed us that if we perform at our best, we can compete at this level and put ourselves in a position to win. It was a performance that should give us confidence going forward.

MF/FW #10 DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany)
It was an extremely tough match and, to be honest, it unfolded very much as we expected. Even after conceding, we stayed calm, came together as a team and continued to carry out what we had prepared. That has less to do with technical ability and more to do with the mentality of this group. We have become a much more mature team. This was a very encouraging point for us. As long as we keep the gap at one goal, there will always come a point when the opposition begin to protect their lead mentally, and that creates opportunities for us to push forward. I learned that during the World Cup in Qatar. It is not an official team rule, but we spoke beforehand about gathering together after goals, whether we scored or conceded. I think that helped create a very positive atmosphere on the pitch.

MF/FW #13 NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims/France)
Even before receiving the pass, I had a feeling Kubo would find me. I already had a clear image in my mind of how I wanted to finish the move. I deliberately set the ball slightly behind me, similar to the goal I scored against Bolivia, and tried to make the defender open his legs before shooting through them. Scoring at a World Cup is obviously a special feeling. But football is football wherever you play it. As with the matches against England and Brazil, what gives me the greatest satisfaction is scoring against top-class opponents on the biggest stages. In that sense, scoring that goal did not feel any different from the goals I have scored in other big matches.

MF/FW #15 KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace/England)
I never imagined I would score a goal in that manner. It was such an unusual situation that it felt as though all the hard work I have put into my career, and everything this tournament means to me, had been rewarded. The way the match developed was not ideal for us, but the fact that we stayed patient and found a way back into the match made this feel worth more than a single point. If we can win the next match, qualification for the knockout stage will come much closer. We need to make sure this point does not go to waste.

FIFA World Cup 2026™

Tournament duration: Thu. 11 June - Sun. 19 July 2026
Group Stage
1st match: Mon. 15 June 5:00 [JST] vs Netherlands
2nd match: Sun. 21 June 13:00 [JST] vs Tunisia
3rd match: Fri. 26 June 8:00 [JST] vs Sweden
Tournament information