Netherlands 2-2 Japan at 2026 World Cup, Reijnders and Ake Play

Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake featured for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan at the opening group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place in North America as part of the tournament's group phase. Both players were involved as the Dutch side sought a win in their first game. The first half ended goalless before Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for Ronald Koeman's side. Keito Nakamura equalised for Japan just before the hour mark. Crysencio Summerville then struck what appeared to be the winner for the Netherlands. Daichi Kamada rescued a point for Japan by scoring at the death.

Netherlands draw 2-2 with Japan, squad backs Koeman

Reijnders started and played 70 minutes, delivering two key passes and seven accurate crosses. He completed 19 of 22 passes (86%) and made 15 passes in the opposition half. Defensively he recorded two interceptions and won two aerial duels. Ake entered after 80 minutes, logging nine minutes and completing nine of ten passes (90%). He sent six passes into the opposition half and won one aerial duel. Reijnders later disclosed the real reason Pep Guardiola left Manchester City after an illustrious decade. A Turkish giant's sporting director is set for a Manchester City transfer meeting, according to the report.