Netherlands XI vs Japan: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup today | OneFootball

Question marks linger over fitness of all-time Dutch top scorer Memphis Depay before Group F clash

Memphis Depay and Bart Verbruggen have both been passed fit for the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan in Dallas today.

Memphis - his country’s all-time top goalscorer and 10th most-capped player - did not feature in last week’s final warm-up friendly against Uzbekistan in New York, having been nursing a thigh injury picked up on club duty in Brazil with Corinthians.

Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen emerged as a serious doubt for Sunday’s Group F clash after landing awkwardly in that 2-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Verbruggen was confirmed to have suffered a bruised hip after being replaced by Bayer Leverkusen's Mark Flekken.

However, he rejoined training on Friday and is expected to start behind a back four that will not feature Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber after he withdrew from the squad at the beginning of the week due to injury.

Denzel Dumfries, on his way to Real Madrid this summer, should get the nod at right-back with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven on the opposite flank and potential future club team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in the middle.

Key man: Memphis Depay is the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 102 games

PA

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong are likely to form the midfield double pivot, but Koeman is facing a headache with regards to the four players he selects ahead of them.

Cody Gakpo scored both goals in the win over Uzbekistan, so appears to be a lock for the left-hand side. Tijjani Reijnders struggled for minutes at Manchester City this season, but is the favoured option for Koeman in the attacking midfield role.

West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville started both pre-tournament warm-up games on the right, which means it will be between Donyell Malen and Memphis to lead the line.

Malen, who ended the season scoring seven goals in as many appearances for Roma, could get the nod if Memphis is not yet fully fit.

Time and date: 9pm BST on Sunday June 14, 2026

How to watch: ITV