We are here with our 2026 FIFA World Cup Player Ratings for Netherlands vs Japan. The Netherlands and Japan played out one of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, sharing the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group F opener. Ronald Koeman's side twice took the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk and winger Crysencio Summerville, but Japan showed tremendous resilience to fight back on both occasions. Keito Nakamura grabbed the Samurai Blue's first equaliser before Daichi Kamada's dramatic late strike ensured the spoils were shared. Both teams produced high-quality attacking football, with the Dutch dominating spells of possession while Japan impressed with their energy, pressing, and determination.
Netherlands Player Ratings
Bart Verbruggen – 7/10
A decent performance, although distribution wasn't the best.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5/10
Had a really balanced game and was impressive defensively.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 6.5/10
Was decent in defense but undor played a part in Japan's equalizer.
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
Showcased leadership and composure in a great performance, and scored a header as well.
Micky van de Ven – 6.5/10
His pace was really impressive, but nothing much more than that in terms of performance.
Frenkie de Jong – 7/10
A composed and solid performance from the middle of the park.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8/10
Arguably the man of the match with his 2 assists and solid midfield performance.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5/10
Had a normal game and didn't do anything breathtaking.
Crysencio Summerville – 7/10
Scored a fantastic solo goal and gave a glimpse of why PSG wants him.
Donyell Malen - 6.5/10
A fine performance, but his finishing could've been better.
Cody Gakpo – 6.5/10
Was a decent threat from the wings throughout the game
Substitutes
Memphis Depay – 6/10
Quinten Timber – 6/10
Teun Koopmeiners – 6/10
Brian Brobbey - 6/10
Nathan Aké - 6/10
Japan Player Ratings
Zion Suzuki – 7/10
Was simply fantastic and made multiple saves to keep Japan in the game
Hiroki Ito – 6.5/10
A fine performance with decent contributions in both defense and attack
Shogo Taniguchi – 7/10
Was arguably the most involved defender for Japan in the game
Tsuyoshi Watanabe – 6/10
A solid if not magnificent display from defense
Keito Nakamura – 7/10
A brilliant performance with excellent work rate,.and he also scored one of the goals
Daichi Kamada – 7/10
Brilliant performance from a creative perspective amd also played a huge part in the final equalizing goal
Kaishu Sano – 6.5/10
A defensively solid performance in midfield that helped Japan control their tempo
Ritsu Doan – 6.5/10
A fine hardworking performance as wingback, contributing both in defense & attack
Daizen Maeda – 6/10
Did miss a few chances but was overall decent
Ayase Ueda – 6/10
Wasn't the best performance, but still did a fine job
Takefusa Kubo - 7/10
Impressed with his dribbling and also assisted one of the goals
Substitutes
Junya Ito – 7/10
Takehiro Tomiyasu - 5/10
Tukinari Sugawara - 5/10
Koki Ogawa - 7/10
Kento Shiogai - 6/10
Conclusion
A point apiece means both nations remain firmly in contention to qualify from Group F. The Netherlands will next face Sweden on June 20, knowing a victory would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds. Japan, meanwhile, take on Tunisia in another crucial fixture as they look to build on an impressive performance against one of Europe's strongest sides. If this match was any indication, both teams have the quality and character to make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
