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Koeman Confirms Verbruggen, Depay Start vs Japan

6/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coach Ronald Koeman announced goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and striker Memphis Depay are cleared to start for the Netherlands in the Group F opener against Japan in Dallas on Sunday.
Verbruggen missed Wednesday’s training after a hip collision forced his substitution in the 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan.
Depay, who has made only three appearances since a thigh injury in March, has shown recovery to be considered for the starting lineup.

History

Historical Context

The Netherlands reached three straight World Cups in the 1990s, finishing fourth in France 1998 under Guus Hiddink after overhauling an injury-hit squad. Coach Ronald Koeman now clears Bart Verbruggen and Memphis Depay for the Group F clash with Japan in Dallas, hoping to echo the 1998 surge while avoiding the early exits that have followed.

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Story summary

Coach Ronald Koeman announced goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and striker Memphis Depay are cleared to start for the Netherlands in the Group F opener against Japan in Dallas on Sunday.
Verbruggen missed Wednesday’s training after a hip collision forced his substitution in the 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan.
Depay, who has made only three appearances since a thigh injury in March, has shown recovery to be considered for the starting lineup.

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