Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong started the Netherlands’ World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Japan. Under coach Ronald Koeman, the Dutch team was positioned for a victory in their opening fixture. However, the match concluded with a late goal from Japan, scored following a set piece, resulting in the team losing two crucial points.
Despite the mixed result, De Jong expressed satisfaction with his individual performance and conveyed a sense of pride in representing the Netherlands at the largest international football tournament. “I am very proud to represent my country in a World Cup,” he stated. He added that the team shared the objective of winning the World Championship with all other participating national teams.
When questioned about the tournament’s favored teams, the Barcelona player specifically named Spain as one of the strongest contenders. “Spain has a very good team. I think they have…”
The draw marks a challenging start for the Netherlands, setting the stage for the remainder of their tournament fixtures.
De Jong’s comments reflect a focus on the collective goal while acknowledging the strength of international opposition, particularly pointing to the capabilities of the Spanish squad.
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