Why Is Memphis Depay Not Playing Tonight for Netherlands vs Japan at the World Cup?
The Netherlands take on Japan in a Group F match as the Dutch begin their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands have one of the most talented squads in the tournament and will be hoping to make a deep run in the competition.
Alongside players such as Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch also have one of their most experienced attackers in Memphis Depay.
Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer with 55 international goals and currently plays for Brazilian club Corinthians.
Unfortunately, the forward has made only three appearances since March 22, when he suffered a right thigh injury during Corinthians' 1-1 draw against Flamengo.
He was also not named in the starting eleven for the match against Japan.
Why Is Memphis Depay Not Starting Against Japan?
Depay was unavailable for the Netherlands' 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
However, Ronald Koeman later provided a positive update on the striker's condition.
"I prefer not to share this with you at this stage but Memphis is fit. He would be able to start the game. The past ten days, from the start of our tournament preparation, his fitness has increased. So he has progressed well. Things are looking good. He is an important player. He has been so for a very long time and he is a key part to our possible success in this World Cup. He is important for that," Koeman told reporters.
Despite those comments, Depay was not included in the starting lineup against Japan.
Instead, Koeman selected an attacking front three of Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville.
The #NEDJPN XI! #NothingLikeOranje#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/59CEPQKfQr
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 14, 2026
Depay's place on the bench suggests that the Netherlands coaching staff are managing his recovery carefully and do not want to take any unnecessary risks so early in the tournament.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 12:59 PM.