Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 14

Netherlands Clear Depay, Verbruggen for World Cup Opener as Koeman Eyes 1st Group F Win

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 14

Netherlands Clear Depay, Verbruggen for World Cup Opener as Koeman Eyes 1st Group F Win

Q: With Depay back, is the Netherlands risking its entire World Cup on one player's questionable fitness for today's crucial opener?

No. The Netherlands are not staking their entire World Cup on Memphis Depay’s fitness in the opener against Japan, because the latest reporting says Koeman has chosen not to start him. Koeman did confirm before the match that Depay had recovered well from his thigh injury and was fit enough to start if needed. But the more recent update is that the coach made a tactical call to leave him on the bench, with Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville leading the attack. That sharply reduces the idea that the Dutch are gambling everything on one player’s physical condition in this game. Depay remains important. He is the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, and the squad does not have many elite attacking options, especially with Xavi Simons out and concerns about forward depth. There is a real argument that the Dutch can become too dependent on his goals over the course of the tournament. But that is a broader tournament issue, not proof that today’s opener is being built around an unfit player. The bigger picture is that the Netherlands still have strong alternatives and a solid spine, with Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and a defense widely seen as the team’s strongest unit. Bart Verbruggen has also been cleared to play. Japan is a dangerous opponent in a difficult group, so the match matters, but the evidence suggests Koeman is managing Depay carefully rather than recklessly betting the campaign on him.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 14

Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen are available to start Sunday against Japan, giving the Netherlands a lift before their Group F opener in Arlington.
Koeman said Depay's fitness has improved steadily over the past 10 days after a right-thigh injury on March 22, while Verbruggen returned to training after a hip issue forced him off against Uzbekistan.
Depay missed Monday's 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan and has played only 3 times since the thigh injury, but Koeman called the 55-goal striker a key part of Dutch hopes.
The Netherlands enter the 2026 World Cup still chasing a first title after losing 3 finals, with Koeman saying his side must handle pressure and take the tournament one game at a time.