Germany and the Netherlands concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns in emphatic fashion on Monday, delivering high-scoring victories in their final European group fixtures.
Germany overwhelmed Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig, asserting early control and finishing the campaign on a dominant note. “Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told ZDF after the match.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands gradually pulled away to secure a 4-0 victory against Lithuania in Amsterdam, finishing top of Group G. Both teams had required only a draw to guarantee qualification but opted for aggressive attacking displays, thrilling their fans in the process.
Slovakia ended the Group A campaign in second place, while Poland, despite a narrow 3-2 win over Malta, finished runner-up to the Netherlands in Group G. The second-place finishers in each group earn a spot in the 16-team European play-offs scheduled for March 2026.
The resounding wins highlight Germany and the Netherlands’ offensive strength and set the stage for a competitive World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.