Striker Memphis Depay has become the center of attention in the preparation of the Netherlands team for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Ronald Koeman publicly admitted that the number 10 and top scorer in the country’s history is an indispensable piece for the team’s aspirations in the world tournament, although his presence in the opening match, next Sunday, against Japan, has not yet been fully confirmed.
The Dutch technical committee is cautious due to the Corinthians player’s recent history of medical problems. Memphis Depay was absent from the Brazilian club in the final stretch of the competitions that preceded the call-up, which compromised its competitive rhythm. Ronald Koeman explained that the athlete has been improving in daily training, but that the official lineup will depend on last-minute physical assessments in Dallas.
Ronald Koeman praises Corinthians and the level of Brazilian football
Memphis Depay’s clinical situation led to the Dutch coach’s recent trip to Brazil. Ronald Koeman was in the city of São Paulo to closely inspect the striker’s working conditions at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. The Dutch commander praised Corinthians’ infrastructure and highlighted that the level of competitiveness in the Brazilian Championship is high, although he highlights that the sequence of injuries prevented the player from reaching ideal form before the tournament in the United States.
Netherlands schedule in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup
Inserted in Group F of the World Cup, the Netherlands team will have commitments in three different venues in the American territory during the first phase of the competition:
- 1st round: Netherlands x Japan – June 14, 5pm, in Dallas
- 2nd round: Netherlands x Sweden – June 20, 2pm, in Houston
- 3rd round: Tunisia x Netherlands – June 25, at 8pm, in Kansas City