Key Takeaways:
- Netherlands secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 victory against Lithuania in their concluding Group G fixture
- Tijjani Reijnders (16′), Cody Gakpo (58′), Xavi Simons (60′), and Donyell Malen (62′) were all on target at the Johan Cruijff Arena
- Netherlands topped Group G with 20 points, while Lithuania finished bottom with 3 points and no wins
Match Analysis: Oranje Confirm Dominance
The Netherlands emphatically wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, defeating Lithuania 4-0 at the Johan Cruijff Arena to secure top spot in Group G and direct progression to the tournament finals. The hosts, needing a win to guarantee their place, delivered a comprehensive display in Amsterdam that left no doubt regarding their supremacy in the group.
WORLD CUP, HERE WE COME! ✅
🔜🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽 @FIFAWorldCup #NothingLikeOranje #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/g0ZHeNwssZ
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 17, 2025
Key Moments and Goals
The home side began assertively, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute. Frenkie de Jong orchestrated the opener with a threaded pass into the penalty area, where Tijjani Reijnders finished calmly to set Netherlands on their way.
Although the first half ended with the slender 1-0 advantage, the second period brought a goal flurry from the Dutch. A handball incident resulted in a penalty, and Cody Gakpo confidently slotted it home in the 58th minute to double the lead.
Momentum firmly on their side, Netherlands struck again just two minutes later. Gakpo surged down the left, delivering for Xavi Simons who deftly manoeuvred past two Lithuanian defenders before slotting in the third goal in the 60th minute.
Within another two minutes, Donyell Malen finished off a rapid counterattack, using his pace and control to beat a defender and find the net for the fourth time on 62 minutes, sealing a decisive victory for the hosts.
Group G Final Standings
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 20 | 1st |
| Lithuania | 3 | 5th |
This convincing result means the Netherlands will look forward to competing on the world stage in 2026, boasting a strong qualification record and an impressive performance in their final qualifier. Lithuania, meanwhile, end their World Cup bid without registering a victory in the group.
