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Depay Expected to Start Against Japan for the Netherlands

Joost Bakker | June 17, 2026 9:02 PM CST

Memphis Depay (32, SC Corinthians) is expected to start against Japan.
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman spoke about Depay's physical condition through Dutch media outlet "Bootball Premier" on June 10 (Korea Standard Time).
"Depai is getting close to his best," Koeman said. "He is the Dutch national team's all-time record scorer. We need a defi," he said.
As Coach Koeman noted, Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer in international matches. Depay has scored 55 goals in 109 appearances for the national team.
However, it is difficult to say that he has had the same level of impact as Dutch legends such as the late Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, and Arjen Robben, who were central figures in Dutch football.
Depay has struggled to succeed consistently in major European leagues with clubs such as Manchester United, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, and he has not led the Netherlands to major achievements in the World Cup or the European Championship.
Although Depay was included in the Netherlands squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the team finished third, he mainly played a supporting role. At the time, the Dutch attack was led by van Persie, Robben, and Wesley Snyder.
The Netherlands did not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, despite Depay being one of the key attacking players. The team suffered the disappointment of failing to advance through the European qualifiers.
However, Depay remains the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer in international football. That fact remains unchanged.
Depay suffered a thigh injury in March and was sidelined for about two months. He returned to action on May 27, appearing for Corinthians against Platense in the Copa Libertadores.
Coach Koeman's decision to include Depay in the final squad for the North American World Cup, despite concerns about his fitness due to recurring injuries, is based on his extensive experience and scoring ability. There is also the practical issue that the Netherlands currently lacks a superstar capable of leading the attack as in previous generations.
The Netherlands will begin its North American World Cup campaign with a match against Japan on the 15th. The Dutch side is in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden (21st), and Tunisia (26th).
The Netherlands defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in its final warm-up match before the tournament on the 8th. Cody Gakpo led the team to victory by scoring both goals from the penalty spot.
In that match, the Netherlands started Doniel Malan as the central striker. Brian Brophy came on in the 19th minute of the second half.
Depay did not play against Uzbekistan. However, in a closed-door practice match against Uzbekistan, played in two 30-minute periods before and after the main game, he played 30 minutes as a striker.
Koeman did not hide his confidence in Depay.
Coach Koeman said, "We are helping Depay regain his perfect physical condition and exert 100% of his power," adding, "We are making new judgments about Depay every day."
The Netherlands is closely monitoring Depay's recovery.