Depay to break Van Persie record? How Netherlands could line up against Poland

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how the Netherlands could line up for Thursday’s World Cup 2026 qualifier against Poland.

Netherlands striker Memphis Depay will be out to make national team history when Oranje face Poland in Group G of World Cup 2026 Qualifying on Thursday.

The 31-year-old – who now plies his trade at Brazilian giants Corinthians – sits on 50 goals for his country, the joint-most among all senior men alongside Robin van Persie.

Depay will therefore become the Netherlands’ all-time leading male goalscorer if he finds the back of the net at De Kuip, although he will still trail three women’s goalscorers in Manon Melis (59), Lieke Martens (62) and Vivianne Miedema (100).

Despite competition from Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst, Depay ought to spearhead the charge as he goes in search of history, likely with support from Cody Gakpo and Tottenham Hotspur new boy Xavi Simons.

Ronald Koeman can put out a particularly menacing midfield trio, as Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch prepare to line up alongside Barcelona stalwart Frenkie de Jong in the engine room.

Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong will play no part in September’s fixtures due to a hamstring problem, so Denzel Dumfries should win the battle with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber to start at right-back.

Stefan de Vrij is a national team veteran, but the Inter Milan defender has not played a single minute of domestic football this season, so Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke may get the nod to join Virgil van Dijk, makeshift left-back Micky van de Ven and teammate Bart Verbruggen at the back.

Netherlands possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Simons, Depay, Gakpo

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