The Netherlands are on the edge of securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they prepare to host Lithuania in their final Group G fixture at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Their 1-1 draw with Poland slowed the celebrations, but with a three-point lead and a far superior goal difference, qualification still feels very close.
Recent home form strengthens that belief, especially after strong displays reported, including their dominant 4-0 win over Malta as highlighted by SoftFootball. Another notable moment from this qualifying cycle came when Memphis Depay set the national assist record in a 4-0 win over Finland.
Lithuania’s situation is entirely different, as their elimination was confirmed weeks ago. They remain winless in the campaign and arrive in Amsterdam hoping only to avoid finishing bottom of the group.
A draw with Israel extended their run to sixteen matches without a win, and their away form offers little encouragement, with six defeats in their last seven road trips. Their only previous meeting with the Dutch ended in a narrow 3-2 loss back in September.
Memphis Depay remains the Netherlands’ most dangerous weapon, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in the qualifiers. Lithuania will rely heavily on midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, who has been involved in most of their attacking moments in the group.
The Dutch also carry strong statistical momentum, going eleven matches without losing in normal time while scoring in both halves of their last eight home fixtures.
Team News
The Netherlands will be without Denzel Dumfries, Wout Weghorst and Quilindschy Hartman due to injury. Lithuania are missing Edvinas Girdvainis and Vykintas Slivka.
Possible Lineups
Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Timber, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Lithuania (5-3-2): Svedkauskas; Sirvys, Armalas, Utkus, Tutyskinas, Lasickas; Golubickas, Sirgedas, Gineitis; Cernych, Kalinauskas
A preparatory post was shared by the Netherlands on their official X account, as they are focused on booking a place in the 2026 World Cup.
Check the post below:
Softfootball’s Prediction
The Netherlands should control the match from start to finish. With their home strength, attacking quality and Lithuania’s poor form, a comfortable win for the hosts looks highly likely as they confirm their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Prediction: Netherlands 4-0 Lithuania
