Depay's World Cup Comeback
Netherlands' Memphis Depay Nears World Cup Start Despite Thigh Injury, Coach States He's 'Almost Ready'
Memphis Depay, the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 55 international goals, is pushing to return to the starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup after nursing a thigh injury. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman says Depay is "almost ready" to start, according to AP News. The 32-year-old came off the bench in the 70th minute of the Netherlands' opening match — a 2-2 draw with Japan on June 14 in Arlington, Texas.
Japan's Daichi Kamada headed home an 88th-minute equalizer to deny the Dutch a winning start. The draw extended the Netherlands' unbeaten streak in World Cup group play to 17 games, per AP News. But with Group F now wide open, Koeman faces a big decision ahead of Saturday's match against Sweden in Houston.
Depay Comes Off the Bench but Thigh Worry Lingers
Depay started the tournament on the bench. Koeman chose Donyell Malen to start instead, a move analysts at FOX Sports called a cautious step to protect the forward's thigh from further damage. Depay entered in the 70th minute, replacing Malen, and gave reporters a thumbs-up when asked about his condition afterward, according to Newsday.
Koeman has been careful but consistent in his message. "He has been important for a very long time and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup," the coach said. Depay had only played three times for Brazilian club Corinthians since suffering the thigh injury in March, making his 90-minute readiness a real question mark.
Kamada's Late Header Stuns the Dutch in Arlington
The Netherlands looked set for a winning start after Virgil van Dijk scored in the 51st minute and Crysencio Summerville added a "wonder strike" in the 64th minute, per The Independent. But Japan hit back twice. Keito Nakamura equalized in the 57th minute, and Kamada's header in the 88th minute broke Dutch hearts.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his side's mental strength. "Our players managed to be tenacious but at the same time be patient and just keep calm," he said, according to FOX Sports. The Netherlands controlled 60% of the ball and made 32 touches in Japan's penalty area — nearly double Japan's total — but could not hold on for the win, per NBC Sports.
Depay's Rocky Road to Qatar via Corinthians
Depay's path to the 2026 World Cup was anything but smooth. He suffered the right thigh injury on March 22 during a Corinthians match against Flamengo. Koeman publicly urged him to get back to "top form" just days later. Depay proved his baseline fitness by playing 30 minutes for Corinthians on May 27, earning a spot in the final 26-man squad, according to The Star.
He was an unused substitute in the Netherlands' 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan on June 8, per The Messenger. Depay surpassed Robin van Persie's Dutch record of 50 goals in late 2025. But at 32 and valued at just €7 million by Transfermarkt, questions remain about whether a hobbled Depay is still the "difference-maker" Koeman believes him to be.
Netherlands Must Win Against Sweden to Control Group F
Both the Netherlands and Japan sit on one point after the draw. Group F also includes Sweden and Tunisia. A win in Saturday's match against Sweden in Houston would put the Dutch in the driver's seat, according to NBC Sports. A second slip-up could put them in serious trouble in a group that now looks far tighter than expected.
The pressure on Koeman to start Depay is growing. Some fans and commentators — notably on Reddit — argue the team may be better off leaning on the pace of Summerville. But the official team line remains clear: Depay, when fully fit, is their best chance at a deep run in this tournament, per Winnipeg Free Press.
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