The Netherlands are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style, after smashing Lithuania 4–0 at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Monday night, Softfootball predicted an accurate 4-nil trashing in the pre-game analysis, and honestly, the result never really felt in doubt.
Ronald Koeman’s men wrapped up qualification with confidence, finishing top of Group G without losing a single match, with six wins, two draws, and barely a sweat dropped in this final outing. Before this game they were held 1-1 by Poland after they had earlier trashed Finland also 4-nil.
The opening goal came early and calmly. In the 16th minute, Tijjani Reijnders slipped through the Lithuanian backline and buried a neat finish after a sharp, threaded pass from Frenkie de Jong.
Lithuania’s goalkeeper, Edvinas Gertmonas, did almost everything he could to keep the scoreline respectable, pulling off a couple of strong saves. There was a brief scare when Jurrien Timber limped off just before halftime, but the Dutch still went into the break holding a slim 1–0 edge.
Then the second half arrived and Lithuania basically disappeared. After a VAR review spotted a handball from Edgaras Utkus, Cody Gakpo stepped up and smashed home a penalty in the 56th minute.
Barely two minutes later, Gakpo turned creator, sliding the ball to Xavi Simons, who whipped in a classy finish that looked too effortless for such an important night. And before Lithuania could even catch their breath, Donyell Malen sliced through their defence in the 62nd minute to fire in a brilliant solo goal. Three goals in five minutes, and the match was over right there.
By the final whistle, the Dutch stood proudly as Group G winners, ahead of Poland, while Lithuania ended their campaign without a single win. After the win, the Netherlands uploaded via their official X account that their mission is completed and they are en route to the World Cup.
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Their qualification places the Netherlands alongside England, France, Germany, Portugal, Croatia, and Norway as European teams already confirmed for the 2026 World Cup. A strong statement from a team that wants to be feared again on the biggest stage.
