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● LIVE Updated 18d ago · 18 sources tracked

Why can’t we win it? Inside the Japanese embassy for Sunday’s World Cup opener.

Japan’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener was called the tournament’s best match so far, with their fightback drawing global attention. Fans at the Japanese embassy in Washington celebrated the result, while cleanup efforts also earned praise. The team’s unbeaten run continues as they prepare for their next Group F fixture.

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What changed

New details confirm embassy fan turnout and global reactions to Japan’s performance, while match commentary and live updates are now available.

Live updates

  1. Japan’s World Cup resilience praised as embassy fans gather for opener

    Japan’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener was called the tournament’s best match so far, with their fightback drawing global attention. Fans at the Japanese embassy in Washington celebrated the result, while cleanup efforts also earned praise. The team’s unbeaten run continues as they prepare for their next Group F fixture.

    What's confirmed:

    • Japan secured a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener, fighting back twice to deny the Dutch a victory.
    • The match was hailed as the tournament’s best so far by commentators and fans.
    • Around a hundred Samurai Blue superfans gathered at the Japanese embassy in Washington to watch the match.
    • Japan’s resilience extended their unbeaten run in the tournament.
    • The game was played at Dallas Stadium in the United States as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Japan’s fans at the embassy were noted for cleaning up after the match, earning global praise.
    confidence 95%

  2. Japan snatches 2-2 draw vs Netherlands in World Cup opener

    Japan secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener, fighting back twice to deny the Dutch victory. The match was hailed as the tournament’s best so far, with Japan’s resilience extending their unbeaten run. Fans also drew global praise for cleaning up after the game.

    What's confirmed:

    • Japan came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their Group F opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    • The match was described as the World Cup’s best so far, praised for its drama and intensity.
    • Japan’s unbeaten run now stands at eight matches following the draw.
    • Japanese fans were widely commended for cleaning up the stadium after the match, earning international recognition.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Japan’s late goal stunned the Netherlands, marking a defining moment in the tournament.
    • The match featured a 'brotherhood' off the pitch between the two teams, with tactical similarities in their playstyles.
    confidence 95%