western
Daichi Kamada's late goal gives Japan a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in World Cup opener for both
By Schuyler Dixon | Associated Press at Fort Worth Report
· June 16, 2026
· 4 min read
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Daichi Kamada and his Japanese teammates were minutes away from a World Cup -opening loss that wouldn't have been unexpected considering the opponent. His tying goal will be remembered for a long time in his homeland, especially if the country with some soccer momentum reache
Key takeaway Kamada scored when a header by teammate Koki Ogawa deflected off his head into the Dutch goal in the 88th minute, sending the Samurai Blue fans into a frenzy and giving Japan a 2-2 draw with the higher-ranked Netherlands on Sunday.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The electrifying draw between Japan and the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium is a testament to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex's ability to host high-profile international events. As the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium has proven itself to be a versatile venue, capable of accommodating large crowds and providing a unique experience with its retractable roof and giant video board. The fact that the stadium was evenly split between Samurai Blue and Oranje supporters demonstrates the diversity and enthusiasm of the local fan base. This match also highlights the growing interest in soccer in North Texas, which could have implications for the future of the sport in the region. With the success of this event, it will be interesting to see if the metroplex can attract more international soccer matches, potentially drawing in new fans and further establishing itself as a hub for the sport.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: western ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Daichi Kamada and his Japanese teammates were minutes away from a World Cup -opening loss that wouldn't have been unexpected considering the opponent. His tying goal will be remembered for a long time in his homeland, especially if the country with some soccer momentum reache
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon | Associated Press at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more western coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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