Memphis Depay starts for Netherlands against Japan in World Cup opener
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 1:14 AM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
Memphis Depay is set to start for the Netherlands in their World Cup opener against Japan on June 14 in Dallas. Coach Ronald Koeman highlighted Depay's importance to the team's title ambitions, despite his recent return from injury. The forward has not played since a friendly match earlier in June, but Koeman indicated he is ready for the challenge. The Netherlands will also rely on Crysencio Summerville, who adds depth to the squad, as they seek to progress past the group stage.
- •Depay returns from injury to lead the attack against Japan.
- •Koeman confirms the starting XI ahead of the opener.
- •Summerville offers a unique style on the right side.
- •The match takes place in Dallas, home of the Cowboys.
- •Netherlands seeks to advance in a competitive group.
- 2:09 AMESPN Soccer — Depay fit to start as Netherlands prepare for Japa...
- 12:55 AMYahoo Sports — Depay and Verbruggen are ready for the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan
- 12:45 AMYahoo Sports — Depay fit to start as Dutch launch World Cup title charge
"ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup The Netherlands will have goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and top scorer Memphis Depay both ready to play in the team's World Cup opener. Coach Ronald Koeman said Saturday, on the eve of the Group F game against Japan, that his entire team is fit. The status of Verbruggen was in question after he hurt his hip in a collision during a tune-up match with Uzbekistan on Monday, and then was held out of training Wednesday.
"Memphis Depay is fit to start the Netherlands' tasty World Cup opener against Japan in Dallas on Sunday, coach Ronald Koeman said, calling the attacker "a key part" of their title charge.He has been so for a very long time, and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup."
"Netherlands have been handed a major boost after Ronald Koeman said Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen are both fit to start Sunday's Group F opener against Japan.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 14, 2026, 2:09 AMDepay fit to start as Netherlands prepare for Japa...
Netherlands have been handed a major boost after Ronald Koeman said Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen are both fit to start Sunday's Group F opener against Japan.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 12:55 AMDepay and Verbruggen are ready for the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup The Netherlands will have goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and top scorer Memphis Depay both ready to play in the team's World Cup opener. Coach Ronald Koeman said Saturday, on the eve of the Group F game against Japan, that his entire team is fit. The status of Verbruggen was in question after he hurt his hip in a collision during a tune-up match with Uzbekistan on Monday, and then was held out of training Wednesday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 12:45 AMDepay fit to start as Dutch launch World Cup title charge
Memphis Depay is fit to start the Netherlands' tasty World Cup opener against Japan in Dallas on Sunday, coach Ronald Koeman said, calling the attacker "a key part" of their title charge.He has been so for a very long time, and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup."
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