The Netherlands have received a significant boost ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener against Japan, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen expected to be available for selection.
Verbruggen Injury Update
The Brighton shot-stopper had been a major doubt for the Group F clash at the AT&T Stadium after landing awkwardly on his hip during the pre-tournament friendly against Uzbekistan. He was substituted by Bayer Leverkusen's Mark Flekken and subsequently diagnosed with a bruised hip.
However, Verbruggen returned to training on Friday and is now poised to start behind a back four that will be missing Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, who withdrew from the squad at the start of the week due to injury.
Defensive Lineup
Denzel Dumfries, reportedly heading to Real Madrid, is expected to start at right-back. Tottenham's Micky van de Ven will occupy the left flank, with potential future club teammate Jan Paul van Hecke partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in central defense.
Midfield and Attack
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong are likely to form the midfield double pivot. However, manager Ronald Koeman faces a selection headache regarding the four attacking players.
Cody Gakpo, who scored both goals in the win over Uzbekistan, appears certain to start on the left. Tijjani Reijnders, despite limited minutes at Manchester City this season, is Koeman's preferred option in the attacking midfield role.
West Ham's Crysencio Summerville started both pre-tournament warm-up games on the right, leaving Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay to compete for the central striker position. Memphis did not start against either Algeria or Uzbekistan, suggesting Malen may get the nod after scoring seven goals in his last seven appearances for Roma.
Predicted Netherlands XI
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen
Doubts: Verbruggen
Time and date: 9pm BST on Sunday, June 14, 2026
How to watch: ITV
Venue: AT&T Stadium
