Dutch Clinch 2026 World Cup Spot as Poles Face Playoffs

On Monday, the Netherlands secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 4-0 win over Lithuania in Amsterdam.

The Oranje, who were runners-up three times in 1974, 1978, and 2010, will now feature in their 12th World Cup tournament. They topped Group G ahead of Poland, who edged Malta 3-2, but the Poles must contest the play-offs in March to qualify for the North American finals.

Starting the match with a superior goal difference of plus 13 over Poland, the Dutch could have lost and still advanced.

Yet Ronald Koemans side delighted the 50000 fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena with their rapid pace, overwhelming the Lithuanians who spent most of the game defending deep in their own territory.

Even against a tightly organised Lithuanian backline, the Dutch broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when Tijani Reijnders converted a precise pass from Frenkie de Jong.

At half-time, the score stood at 1-0, despite the hosts total control, largely due to an outstanding display by Lithuanian keeper Edvinas Gertmonas.

Just before the hour mark, though, Gertmonas could do nothing as Cody Gakpo converted a penalty for handball to double the lead to 2-0.

Two minutes on, Xavi Simons slotted in from near range to make it 3-0.

Donyell Malen wrapped up the win another two minutes later, prompting Koeman to introduce five changes.

Luciano Valente earned his first cap for the Oranje in the closing ten minutes, greeted by a massive roar from the Amsterdam supporters as the 22-year-old Feyenoord playmaker entered the pitch.