Bart Verbruggen cleared to start for Netherlands against Japan at World Cup

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who suffered a minor injury in a warm‑up match against Uzbekistan, has resumed full training with the Dutch national team in Kansas City. After three days of physiotherapy, he re‑joined the squad on Friday and appears ready for the opening World Cup group game against Japan on Sunday.

Coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that Verbruggen will be available to start, alongside fellow keepers Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs. The Netherlands will travel later to Dallas for a pre‑match press conference before the encounter at the Arlington stadium.

The preparations were briefly interrupted by a thunderstorm, but training continued after the weather cleared, and no further injuries were reported among the 26 Dutch internationals.