Netherlands confirm Depay and Verbruggen fit for World Cup opener vs Japan

The Netherlands announced that forward Memphis Depay and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen are cleared to start in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Japan on June 14 in Dallas. Coach Ronald Koeman said the squad is fully fit, noting that Verbruggen recovered from a hip bruise suffered in a friendly against Uzbekistan and returned to full training by the end of the week. Depay, the national team’s all‑time leading scorer, has overcome a recent thigh injury and has been training without restriction.

Koeman also mentioned that backup goalkeeper Mark Flekken remains ready should any late change be needed. The team’s fitness is presented as a boost to morale ahead of the Group F (also reported as Group B) clash with Japan.