Key Points
- Germany qualified for their 21st FIFA World Cup appearance with 6-0 win over Slovakia
- Netherlands sealed World Cup berth with 4-0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam
- Leroy Sane scored twice for Germany in five-minute spell before halftime
- Germany led 4-0 at halftime with goals from Woltemade, Gnabry, and Sane’s brace
- Netherlands scored three goals in six minutes through Gakpo, Simons, and Malen
- Germany earns Pot 1 seeding for World Cup draw in Washington D.C.
- Slovakia advances to 16-team UEFA playoff despite defeat
- Both teams needed only a draw but chose attacking approach
Germany emphatically sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday, confirming their status as European heavyweights and securing their 21st appearance at football’s premier tournament. The dominant display not only ensured automatic qualification but also secured Germany’s place in Pot 1 for the World Cup draw in Washington D.C., significantly improving their chances of avoiding another top-10 team in the group stage.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s side needed only a draw to guarantee qualification from Group A, but instead delivered a scintillating attacking performance that overwhelmed their opponents. “Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF after the comprehensive victory.
Sane’s Brace Leads First-Half Demolition
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a well-placed header, continuing his impressive form after scoring Germany’s last three goals in qualifying. The 23-year-old forward has become an unexpected hero in Germany’s qualification campaign.
Serge Gnabry doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, before Leroy Sane took center stage with a remarkable five-minute double. The Bayern Munich winger capitalized on brilliant setups from Florian Wirtz, scoring in the 36th and 41st minutes to give Germany a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
Second-Half Goals Complete Rout
The goal fest continued after the break as Germany showed no mercy. Ridle Baku extended the lead in the 67th minute, before 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouedraogo completed the scoring in the 79th minute following another brilliant piece of play from Sane, making it 6-0.
The victory capped a remarkable recovery for Germany, who had suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia earlier in the qualifying campaign. Die Mannschaft responded with five consecutive wins to storm to the top of Group A and secure automatic qualification with a game to spare.
Netherlands Cruise Past Lithuania with Second-Half Blitz
In Amsterdam, the Netherlands secured their World Cup berth with an equally impressive 4-0 demolition of bottom-placed Lithuania in Group G. The Oranje needed just a draw to confirm their place at the 2026 finals but delivered an attacking masterclass instead.
Tijjani Reijnders gave the Dutch an early lead in the 16th minute with a well-struck right-footed effort, settling any nerves in front of the home crowd. The midfielder’s goal set the tone for what would become a comfortable evening for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Three Goals in Six Minutes Seal Victory
The Netherlands exploded into life in the second half with a devastating six-minute spell that effectively ended the contest. Cody Gakpo doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Lithuania conceded a foul in the box.
Just two minutes later, Xavi Simons made it 3-0 with a clinical finish in the 60th minute. The scoring spree continued as Donyell Malen added a fourth goal in the 62nd minute, completing a rapid-fire sequence that left Lithuania reeling and confirmed the Netherlands’ dominance.
The emphatic victory maintained the Netherlands’ three-point advantage over second-placed Poland and secured their return to the World Cup after competing in Qatar 2022, where they reached the quarterfinals.
Slovakia Advances to Playoffs Despite Heavy Defeat
Despite the crushing 6-0 loss in Leipzig, Slovakia’s World Cup dreams remain alive. The Slovaks finished second in Group A and secured their place in the 16-team UEFA playoff competition scheduled for March 2026.
The playoff draw will take place on Thursday in Zurich, with Slovakia joining Poland and other European nations competing for the remaining World Cup berths. While automatic qualification eluded them, Slovakia’s overall qualifying campaign, which included an impressive victory over Germany, keeps their hopes of reaching North America alive.
European Giants Set Sights on 2026 Tournament
Both Germany and the Netherlands can now turn their attention to preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The expanded 48-team tournament will be the largest World Cup in history.
Germany, four-time World Cup winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), will be making their 21st appearance at the finals, continuing one of the most consistent records in World Cup history. The Netherlands, three-time runners-up, will be seeking to finally claim their first World Cup title after near misses in 1974, 1978, and 2010.
With both teams securing Pot 1 seeding based on their FIFA rankings and qualifying performances, they will avoid facing other top-tier nations in the group stage draw, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in the coming months.
