Germany and Netherlands Secure FIFA World Cup 2026 Spots with Dominant Wins
Image Source: Internet
Germany and Netherlands made it official on Monday, booking their spots in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with resounding victories in their final European group matches. In Group A, Germany cruised past Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig, with coach Julian Nagelsmann praising his team's 'incredible team spirit' and 'quality.' Nick Woltemade headed in the opener in the 18th minute, and the hosts took control from there, with Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo scoring crucial goals. The Netherlands also sealed their qualification with a 4-0 win over Lithuania in Amsterdam. Ronald Koeman's team played at a high tempo, entertaining the 50,000-strong crowd and keeping Lithuania pinned back for most of the match. Tijani Reijnders and Frenkie de Jong combined for the first goal, and Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Donyell Malen added to the tally in the second half. Poland secured second spot in Group G with a 3-2 win over Malta, despite a scare in the second half. Robert Lewandowski, who has struggled for playing time this season, scored the opener and set up Pawel Wszolek for the second. However, Malta pulled level through a penalty, but Piotr Zielinski's long-range strike sealed the win for Poland. The European play-offs in March will feature 16 teams, including Northern Ireland, who will participate due to their Nations League performance. Croatia and the Czech Republic also secured spots in the play-offs with their respective group victories.
