Key Takeaways:
- The Netherlands defeated Finland 4-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
- Oranje secured at least a playoff spot and now lead Group G with 16 points
- Goals were scored by Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay (penalty), and Cody Gakpo
Match Analysis
On their quest for a direct place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands took another significant stride with a commanding 4-0 victory over Finland. The Dutch side wasted no time asserting their authority, opening the scoring in just the 8th minute. Donyell Malen found the net after being set up by Memphis Depay.
Momentum continued to favour the Dutch when captain Virgil van Dijk doubled the lead in the 17th minute, converting a header from another pinpoint Depay cross. The two-goal cushion gave the Netherlands ample breathing room early on.
THE NETHERLANDS STARTING XI VS FINLAND! 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/XoYTEc6dhV
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 12, 2025
Player Performance
Memphis Depay was instrumental throughout the evening, not only providing two assists but also scoring from the penalty spot before the interval to make it 3-0. In the second half, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo delivered the finishing touch with a precise strike from just outside the penalty area, sealing the final score at 4-0.
Finland struggled to muster a response, allowing the Netherlands to control possession and dictate the pace for the majority of the fixture.
Group G Standings and Qualification Outlook
Thanks to this comprehensive win, the Netherlands not only cemented their position atop Group G with 16 points, but also guaranteed themselves at least a place in the World Cup playoffs. With the gap widening, only an extraordinary turn of events could deny Oranje direct qualification for the 2026 tournament.
