Germany and Netherlands secure direct qualification for 2026 World Cup
Germany routed Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig and the Netherlands defeated Lithuania 4-0 on Monday, securing direct spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through UEFA qualifiers.
November 17, 2025 - 05:28 PM ET • 2 min read
Germany and the Netherlands secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday after recording decisive victories in their final UEFA European Qualifying matches.
Germany dominated Slovakia 6-0 in a crucial Group A clash held in Leipzig, while the Netherlands defeated Lithuania 4-0 to top their respective group. The two nations join Croatia, France, Portugal, and Norway as the latest European teams to secure their places in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Netherlands became the 33rd team overall to qualify for the expanded World Cup.
The German national team delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. The match was effectively a final for the direct qualification spot in Group A, as both teams entered the day tied on 12 points.
Germany quickly established dominance, leading 4-0 by halftime. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by a goal from Serge Gnabry. Leroy Sané added a brace, scoring his second goal just before the break.
In the second half, Germany continued to extend its lead. Bote Baku scored the fifth goal in the 67th minute, and Assan Ouédraogo completed the rout with the sixth goal in the 78th or 79th minute, according to reports.
The victory ensured Germany finished first in Group A. Slovakia finished second in the group and secured a spot in the European playoffs.
The Netherlands, often referred to as the Oranje, secured first position in their group by defeating Lithuania 4-0.
The goals for the Dutch side came from Reijnders, Cody Gakpo (via a penalty kick), Xavi Simons, and Donyell Malen. Reijnders was noted for scoring one goal and hitting the post in the first half.
This qualification marks the second consecutive World Cup appearance for the Dutch national team, coached by Ronald Koeman. The team reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia. Prior to 2018, the team had participated in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 editions.