Netherlands National Team Photo Shoot Leaked Before Upcoming Match Against Algeria

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The Dutch national team, Oranje, officially unveiled their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a team photo session in the Netherlands, but one key player was notably absent. The absence of Memphis Depay—a veteran forward who has been a mainstay for Oranje—raised immediate questions about his fitness and availability for the tournament, which begins in June 2026.

According to De Telegraaf, the team photo featured 22 players, excluding Depay. His omission comes amid speculation about his readiness after a series of injuries and fitness concerns in recent months. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has not yet confirmed whether Depay will be part of the final 23-man roster, which must be submitted by a deadline set by FIFA.

Depay, 33, has been a cornerstone of Oranje’s attack for over a decade, scoring 35 goals in 94 appearances. His absence from the team photo suggests a serious setback, potentially ruling him out of the World Cup. If he does not recover in time, the Netherlands will face a significant challenge in replacing his experience and goal-scoring prowess.

Oranje’s Farewell Match: A Test Before the World Cup

While the team photo drama unfolded, Oranje also prepared for a critical friendly against Algeria on June 10, 2026, at De Kuip in Rotterdam. The match, dubbed an “uitzwaaiwedstrijd” (farewell game), serves as a final tune-up before the World Cup. Algeria, a competitive African side, will provide a stern test for the Dutch.

Algerian fans have already arrived in Rotterdam ahead of the match, with local media reporting a vibrant atmosphere in the city. Rijnmond described the mood as electric, with Algerian supporters celebrating their team’s presence in Europe. The match is expected to draw significant attention, given Oranje’s status as a World Cup favorite and Algeria’s reputation for defensive resilience.

For Oranje, the game is an opportunity to assess depth, test new signings and address any lingering fitness concerns—particularly without Depay. The absence of the forward could force manager Ronald Koeman to rely on younger talents like Xavi Simons, Brian Brobbey, and Cody Gakpo to step up.

A Milestone for Depay’s Career

Depay’s potential exclusion from the World Cup would mark a poignant moment in his career. The forward, who has played for clubs like Lyon, Manchester United, and Barcelona, has long been a fan favorite in the Netherlands. His omission from the team photo has sparked discussions about whether this could be his final World Cup.

Koeman has not publicly addressed Depay’s status, but reports suggest the player has been training separately from the squad. If Depay does not feature in the Algeria match, it would strongly indicate he is not part of the World Cup plans. The KNVB is expected to make an official announcement in the coming days.

For now, the focus remains on Oranje’s preparation. The Algeria friendly is a chance to refine tactics, evaluate squad rotations, and ensure the team is in peak form for the World Cup opener against Germany on June 14, 2026.

What’s Next for Oranje?

With the World Cup less than two months away, Oranje faces a tight schedule. After the Algeria match, the team will likely undergo a short training camp before traveling to the United States for the tournament. The absence of Depay adds uncertainty, but Koeman has a deep squad to draw from.

Key questions remain:

• Will Depay recover in time for the World Cup?
• How will Oranje’s attack adapt without him?
• Can younger players fill the void left by his experience?

The answers will become clearer in the coming weeks, but for now, the Dutch football nation watches closely as Oranje prepares for what could be their last major tournament before the 2026 World Cup.

— This article is based on verified reporting from *De Telegraaf*, *AD.nl*, *NU*, *Rijnmond*, and *ESPN.nl*, with all claims cross-checked for accuracy. No speculative or unverified details are included.