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Netherlands coach Koeman prepares for World Cup opener against Japan

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 10:12 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Netherlands coach Koeman prepares for World Cup opener against Japan

Summary

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman aims for a positive start at the World Cup, facing Japan in the opener on Sunday. The Dutch squad has faced challenges, including losses in recent friendlies and injuries to key players like Memphis Depay and Matthijs de Ligt. Nonetheless, the team boasts top talents including Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. Confidence remains high, with Koeman expressing belief in the team's potential to compete effectively throughout the tournament.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Koeman's squad includes key players van Dijk, Gakpo, and De Jong.
•Depay is unlikely to start due to fitness concerns.
•The Dutch lost 2-1 to Algeria and narrowly beat Uzbekistan.
•Japan has won six consecutive matches ahead of the opener.
•Koeman expresses optimism about the team's competitiveness at the World Cup.

Latest Updates

10:12 AMYahoo Sports — Dutch question marks ahead of World Cup start

What they're saying

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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has revealed that his wife is not happy with his generally grim expression, and a positive start into the World Cup may work wonders in this respect. "I will try my best," Koeman has said on the issue.
— Yahoo Sports

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