The Netherlands have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam, in the final round of Group G of the European qualifiers for the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Dutch opened the scoring in the first half through Tijjani Reijnders in the 16th minute. In the second half, the Oranje quickly killed the game with three goals in just four minutes, scored by Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Donyell Malen in the 58th, 60th, and 62nd minutes respectively, sealing a comprehensive win.
Head coach Ronald Koeman fielded a full-strength squad to secure qualification. The starting XI consisted of: Verbruggen, Timber, Van Dijk, Aké, De Ligt, Simons, Memphis Depay, Gakpo, Reijnders, Malen, Frenkie de Jong.
Led by captain Virgil van Dijk and striker Memphis Depay, the Netherlands comfortably overcame Lithuania, who sit bottom of Group G, securing their place in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup for the first time in history.
With this result, the Netherlands top the group with 20 points and qualify directly for the World Cup.
Poland sit in second place with 17 points and will head to the European playoff round.
The Netherlands, three-time runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010, have shown consistent form throughout the qualifiers, earning their 12th World Cup appearance.
Poland, led by striker Robert Lewandowski, could only top the group under an unlikely scenario: a massive away win over Malta combined with a Dutch defeat to Lithuania at home.
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