The Netherlands national football team has a new role for Memphis Depay at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Journalist Maarten Wijffels of the Algemeen Dagblad states that Depay must settle for a role as the third striker of the Dutch national team. Depay, who has scored 55 goals for the Dutch national team, had a difficult few months leading up to the World Cup due to a thigh injury. Coach Ronald Koeman still decided to call him up and bring him on as a substitute during the first group match against Japan. Depay made his appearance in the 70th minute as a replacement for Donyell Malen. According to Wijffels, Depay has lost his status as the first striker and must now look for a 'Huntelaar role'. The former striker shot Oranje into the quarterfinals as a substitute at the 2014 World Cup by scoring a penalty in the final phase against Mexico. Depay was there in 2014 as a young player and knows this story. He knows the laws of tournament football and must now look for his own 'Huntelaar moment'. Depay has been surpassed by Malen and Brian Brobbey, who are fitter, faster, and better in rhythm. Wijffels thinks that Depay's best chance is to look for a heroic role, just like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during the 2014 World Cup. The Dutch national team has a strong selection, and Depay must seize his chances to play an important role at the 2026 World Cup. The team's chances of success depend on the performance of players like Depay, Malen, and Brobbey. With the right mindset and strategy, the Netherlands national football team can achieve great things at the World Cup 2026.