Amsterdam, Netherlands – The Netherlands secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding performance on Monday, dismantling Lithuania 4-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The emphatic victory saw Ronald Koeman’s side finish top of Group G, earning a direct ticket to the tournament in North America.
The three-time finalists—1974, 1978, and 2010—were in rampant form, delivering a high-tempo display for the 50,000 spectators. The breakthrough came early, 15 minutes in, when Tijani Reijnders finished a move brilliantly set up by Frenkie De Jong.
Despite the score remaining 1-0 at halftime thanks to a resilient Lithuanian defense and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas, the floodgates opened after the break.
Cody Gakpo doubled the lead shortly before the hour mark, converting a penalty awarded for handball. The goals then came in rapid succession: Xavi Simons fired home from close range two minutes later to make it 3-0, and Doneyll Malen sealed the 4-0 victory just moments after.
The win sees the Oranje qualify for their 12th World Cup appearance.
Poland’s Play-Off Fate
While the Netherlands celebrated, Group G runners-up Poland cemented their path to the play-offs. Poland secured a 3-2 victory against Malta but finished behind the Dutch, who had a vastly superior goal difference coming into the final matchday. Poland will now have to navigate the play-off stage next March for a chance to join the Netherlands at the 2026 tournament.
The closing stages of the Amsterdam fixture also saw a special moment for the home crowd, as 22-year-old Feyenoord attacking midfielder Luciano Valente made his senior national team debut for the final ten minutes, greeted by a huge ovation.
