Netherlands Determined to Secure World Cup Spot as Lithuania Aims to Avoid Rock Bottom

The Orange stand on the verge of securing their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will aim to seal their qualification when they welcome Lithuania to the Johan Cruijff Arena. The visitors who have already been eliminated from contention will be looking to prevent an embarrassing defeat.

The Dutch missed an earlier opportunity to clinch their World Cup place after a 1-1 draw against Poland, but remain three points clear top of Group G. Thanks to a commanding goal difference, even defeat here is unlikely to deny them first place, but avoiding a loss will guarantee their progression with no need for play-offs. The Netherlands has had a strong streak, unbeaten in 90 minutes over their last 11 matches (6 wins, 5 draws). 

Home advantage further boosts their positive run. Since October 2023, the Orange haven’t lost on their own turf, with an impressive record of 8 wins and 3 draws since then. All signs point toward the Dutch claiming a fifth World Cup finals appearance in the last six editions.

Lithuania, meanwhile, has endured a winless World Cup campaign, recording 3 draws and 4 losses, sealing its exit from the World Cup race. While there’s little left to play for, they still hope to avoid finishing bottom of the group, but that would require an unlikely victory against the Netherlands and for Malta not to win against Poland. 

This seems a huge task, especially since Lithuania hasn’t tasted victory in their last 16 outings (4 draws, 12 defeats), with Thursday’s goalless friendly draw against Israel only extending that run. Their away record does little to inspire confidence, with six losses out of their last seven away fixtures (1 draw).

Head-to-Head Stats: