European powerhouses secure 2026 qualification in style as Germany avenges earlier defeat with 6-0 rout while Netherlands complete flawless campaign
LEIPZIG/AMSTERDAM: European football giants Germany and Netherlands cemented their places in the 2026 World Cup with commanding performances that underscored their qualifying dominance on Monday.
Germany delivered a spectacular response to their early qualifying struggles, overwhelming Slovakia 6-0 in a display that erased memories of their shocking 2-0 loss to the same opponents earlier in the campaign. The comprehensive victory at a packed Leipzig stadium showcased Julian Nagelsmann’s team at their devastating best, with goals spread across six different scorers.
The result ensures Germany will continue their remarkable record of World Cup participation, having now qualified for 21 of the 23 tournaments since their first entry in 1934.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands maintained their perfect qualifying form with a 4-0 dismissal of Lithuania in Amsterdam. The dominant performance capped an unbeaten campaign that saw the Dutch finish comfortably ahead of Poland in their group, earning them a coveted spot in the North American-hosted tournament.
With these qualifications, both nations join an elite group of European teams including England, France, and Portugal who have already secured their places for the expanded 2026 tournament. The victories also set the stage for what many hope will be redemption campaigns after both teams experienced disappointing early exits in recent World Cup competitions.
For Slovakia and Poland, the journey continues through the playoff route, with Thursday’s draw determining their path to potential qualification.
The conclusion of European qualifying on Tuesday will determine the remaining automatic qualifiers, while Germany and Netherlands can now turn their attention to preparing for soccer’s global showcase in 2026.
