The Netherlands confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals by topping Group G with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring early, followed by goals from Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Donyell Malen. This result left Poland to head to the playoffs after their separate win.
In the penultimate round of European qualifying for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands hosted bottom-placed Lithuania knowing a win would seal their automatic spot. Starting three points ahead of Poland with a superior goal difference, Ronald Koeman's side dominated from the outset.
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders gave the hosts a 16th-minute lead and struck the post before halftime. After the break, Liverpool's Cody Gakpo converted a penalty to make it 2-0. Tottenham's Xavi Simons added the third, and Aston Villa's Donyell Malen completed the scoring with a long-range run from inside his own half, finishing 4-0.
The Netherlands' starting lineup featured Bart Verbruggen in goal, with defenders Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, and Nathan Ake; midfielders Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, and Xavi Simons; and forwards Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo. Lithuania, who had drawn three and lost four prior matches, fielded Edvinas Gertmonas in goal, backed by Pijus Sirvys, Vilius Armalas, Edgaras Utkus, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Justas Lasickas, Gratas Sirgedas, Modestas Vorobjovas, Gvidas Gineitis, Tomas Kalinauskas, and Fedor Cernych.
Nathan Ake returned to the starting XI for the first time since September, while Reijnders replaced the injured Justin Kluivert. For Lithuania, Gertmonas started in place of Tomas Svedkauskas, and Modestas Vorobjovas came in for Paulius Golubickas.
The victory ensures the Netherlands proceed directly to the finals, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The playoff draw for runners-up and Nations League teams is set for November 20, with semi-finals on March 26 and finals on March 31, 2026.