Koeman hopeful Verbruggen will be fit for World Cup opener against Japan

The Netherlands have a goalkeeper problem, and it arrived at the worst possible time. Bart Verbruggen, Ronald Koeman’s first-choice shot-stopper, picked up a hip injury during a 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan on June 9, leaving his availability for the World Cup opener against Japan hanging in the balance.

That match is scheduled for June 14 in Dallas. Which means the Dutch have roughly five days to get their most important defensive player right, or pivot to Plan B.

What happened to Verbruggen

The 23-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion keeper sustained the injury during what was supposed to be a low-stakes warm-up match.

Koeman described the injury as a bruise, noting it “could have been worse.” Verbruggen was ruled out of training on June 10 as the medical staff opted to manage the injury carefully rather than rush him back.

Koeman confirmed that Verbruggen’s status is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis. The fitness assessments will continue right up until the Japan match, with the coaching staff weighing whether Verbruggen can perform at full capacity or whether starting him would risk aggravating the issue.

The backup options

If Verbruggen can’t go, the Netherlands aren’t exactly helpless between the posts. Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs are both in the squad and prepared to step in.

Verbruggen has established himself as Koeman’s clear number one for a reason. His shot-stopping ability, his comfort with the ball at his feet, and his growing command of the penalty area have made him central to how the Netherlands want to play.

Why the Japan match matters so much

The Netherlands aren’t just trying to get through the group stage. They’re trying to set the tone for what they hope will be a deep run in the 2026 World Cup.

Koeman knows this, which is why the Verbruggen situation is being treated with such care. If Verbruggen passes fitness tests and demonstrates full mobility in the sessions leading up to June 14, he starts. If there’s any doubt, Flekken gets the nod.

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