The Netherlands sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Lithuania, producing a controlled and confident display that ensured they finished their qualifying campaign unbeaten at the top of their group.
Ronald Koeman made four changes from the draw in Poland as Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake, Tijjani Reijnders and Xavi Simons returned to the starting lineup, and the refreshed side immediately showed greater fluency and purpose.
The hosts required only a point to confirm their place at next summer’s tournament, yet they approached the evening with the intent of a side intent on delivering a statement.
Their early pressure paid off after 16 minutes when Frenkie de Jong threaded a sharp pass into Reijnders, who broke into the box and calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to give the Netherlands the lead.
The Manchester City midfielder almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards when he struck the post, while Jurrien Timber saw a close-range effort turned away as Koeman’s side continued to dominate.
Lithuania struggled to escape their own half for long spells, although the Netherlands were frustrated by two unsuccessful penalty appeals and were unable to add to their lead before the interval.
The game shifted decisively just before the hour when VAR advised the referee to review a potential handball after De Ligt headed the ball down inside the area.
The penalty was awarded and Cody Gakpo converted with authority to extend the margin and remove any tension from the contest.
The third goal arrived moments later when Simons danced through a crowded penalty area with a composed slalom before drilling a shot into the corner.
Lithuania’s resistance collapsed at that point and Donyell Malen made it 4-0 shortly after with a powerful finish following an impressive solo run from the right flank.
The Netherlands continued to create chances as substitutes Emanuel Emegha and Luciano Valente were introduced, with the latter making his senior debut in the closing stages.
Emegha came close to marking his appearance with a first international goal when he hit the post and later fired narrowly over, although by then the result had long been beyond doubt.
The Netherlands closed out the match with authority and ended qualifying without a defeat, strengthening the sense of momentum behind a squad that grew more assured as the campaign progressed.
Koeman’s side now shift their focus to next month’s World Cup draw as preparations begin for a tournament they will enter with confidence after a measured and convincing qualifying run.