Netherlands in World Cup with a poker, Poland in playoffs

The Dutch national team closed out the World Cup 2026 qualifying round with an easy victory over Lithuania. In Amsterdam, three goals in just over four minutes sealed the 4-0 final and an unbeaten run.

Already before the match, the Netherlands was virtually certain to go to North America. The only nefarious as well as surreal scenario involved a defeat against Lithuania and a wide win by Poland in Malta, which never came close to happening. Thus, the Netherlands qualified for the 12th time for a World Cup, while Poland (3-2 on the island, Zielinski’s decisive goal) will go to the playoffs.

The Netherlands is certain to go to North America.

With four changes from the challenge with Poland, Koeman’s team dominated the lowly Baltics. Reijnders opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour. More chances came before halftime, including a goalpost by the same former Milan man.

In the second half the 2-0 was sealed on a penalty kick, converted by Gakpo. Within minutes, Simons and Malen’s goals also arrived, sealing the match. In the finale Emegha, who would have gladly put his name among the scorers, hit the post and Valente made his debut.