By Ayomide Otitoju
Germany and the Netherlands sealed their World Cup berths in emphatic fashion on Monday, closing out European qualifying with dominant victories.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann hailed his side’s performance after a ruthless 6–0 win over Slovakia in Leipzig. “Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” he told ZDF.
Both teams needed only a draw to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but instead delivered commanding attacking displays. The Netherlands eased past Lithuania 4–0 in Amsterdam after a slower start.
Slovakia finished second in Group A, clinching a place in the 16-team European play-offs in March. Poland also secured a play-off spot, ending second in Group G after surviving a scare to defeat Malta 3–2. Northern Ireland’s 1–0 victory over Luxembourg was not enough to lift them from third in Group A, though they advanced to the play-offs based on their Nations League ranking.
In Group L, already-qualified Croatia fought back from behind to beat Montenegro 3–2 with two late goals, while the Czech Republic cemented second place with a 6–0 win over Gibraltar.
Germany, four-time world champions, entered the final match level on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by goals from Serge Gnabry and a first-half brace from Leroy Sané. Second-half strikes from Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo completed the rout.
“We’re relieved. It’s a great moment,” Woltemade said. “Tonight we showed the quality we have in this team.”
Nagelsmann praised their intensity, saying the side displayed “incredible team spirit” from the outset.
In Amsterdam, the Netherlands thrilled the home crowd with high-tempo football that kept Lithuania pinned deep. Tijani Reijnders put the Dutch ahead after 15 minutes, but an outstanding display from goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas kept the score down until the second half. Cody Gakpo converted a penalty before quick-fire goals from Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen sealed the victory.
Reijnders, who made his national team debut after the 2022 World Cup, said he was thrilled to be headed to his first global tournament. “I watched it at home with my Oranje shirt on. This time around, it’s obviously going to be very different for me,” he said.
Poland overcame a spirited Malta side but remained unable to overtake the Netherlands in Group G. Robert Lewandowski scored the opener and assisted Pawel Wszolek, but Malta twice drew level — the second from a penalty after a VAR review overturned a Polish goal. Piotr Zielinski sealed Poland’s win with a powerful long-range effort five minutes from time.
