Corinthians a player since last September, Memphis Depay feasts on Brazil at 31, he who has always been “A very big fan of Ronaldinho”as he explains in an interview with France Football. In this long interview, the former OL crack (2017-2021) reveals one of the last dreams of his career: “Win the World Cup. We were very close in 2014 in Brazil (Elimination in the semi-finals against Argentina, 0-0, 2-4 TAB). Nothing is impossible, we have a great team ”explains the star striker in the Netherlands.
Small problem: the Dutch selection is still far from being qualified for the 2026 World Cup and for good reason, she has only known her group of qualifiers for only a few days. The Oranje played their quarter-final of the League of Nations against Spain, two weeks ago, and gave in to penalties during the return meeting in Seville (3-3, 4-5 TAB). This elimination in the League of Nations thus sent the team led by Ronald Koeman to group G group from the next World Cup. It is a hen of five nations that started at the international window in March.
Upon entering after his four opponents, the Netherlands are 4th in this hen behind Poland, Finland and Lithuania. Robert Lewandowski and his teammates did not tremble during their first two matches by winning against Lithuania (1-0, goal from “Lewy”) and Malta (2-0). The Finns, they dominated the Maltese of Teddy Teuma (0-1) but did not win in Kaunas three days later (2-2). The Netherlands will just start their qualifying campaign in Finland and before Malta, on June 7 and 10.
Netherlands-Pologna, the shock of playoffs
In addition to Depay, the Dutch can count on their emblematic captain Virgil van Dijk and talents like Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Xavi Simons, Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo. Sixth in the world ranking of FIFA, they remain favorites of this group G but have the right to any error. Poland (34th in the world) could have three points ahead before its trip to the Netherlands on September 4. The two selections will then meet on November 14, this time on the side of Warsaw or Chorzow, during the penultimate day of the European qualifiers.
For this World Cup 26 co-organized by Canada, the United States and Mexico (but fully disputed in the US from the quarter-finals), Europe will have 16 representatives, namely the 12 group winners and the four winners of the continental dams scheduled in March 2026. Finish at the top of its pool is essential because the playoffs between the 12 seconds and four The League of Nations seem very undecided. The teams will be distributed in four Final Four with the obligation to win two matches to play the 2026 World Cup. Remember, Italy had lost its semi-final against the North Macedonia in 2022…
