The Netherlands and Japan played to a 2-2 draw in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, held Sunday in Dallas. The Netherlands led for a significant portion of the second half but conceded a late equalizer to Japan. This result means the Netherlands did not secure a win in their first qualifying game. Japan’s late goal denied the Dutch team a positive start to their campaign. The match showcased a competitive contest between the two national teams. Both sides will continue their qualifying journey seeking to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup tournament. The draw highlights the challenges ahead in the qualifying process.