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Koeman hopeful for Verbruggen's World Cup debut against Japan amid injury concerns

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 10:40 AM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Koeman hopeful for Verbruggen's World Cup debut against Japan amid injury concerns

Summary

Ronald Koeman expressed optimism that Bart Verbruggen will be fit for the Netherlands World Cup opener against Japan. The Brighton goalkeeper is recovering from an injury sustained during a friendly against Uzbekistan and missed recent training. Verbruggen, the primary choice for Koeman, has made 29 appearances for the national team. If he is unable to play, alternatives include Sunderland’s Robin Roefs and Mark Flekken, who have varying levels of international experience.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Bart Verbruggen injured during a friendly against Uzbekistan.
•Verbruggen missed training prior to the World Cup opener.
•Koeman confident in Verbruggen's return for the match against Japan.
•Roefs and Flekken are potential starting alternatives.

Latest Updates

10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Ronald Koeman hopeful that Brighton goalkeeper can make World Cup debut against Japan despite injury

What they're saying

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There are concerns that Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen may not be able to play in the Netherlands World Cup opener against Japan. The Brighton goalkeeper suffered an injury during the Netherlands...
— Yahoo Sports

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