Netherlands thrash Lithuania 4-0 to book their spot at the 2026 World Cup

The Netherlands secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in emphatic fashion, beating Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam and confirming top spot in Group G. The Dutch delighted their home fans with a confident display, scoring all four goals in a commanding performance that showcased their depth and attacking prowess.​

The opening stages of the game saw Lithuania struggle to cope with the relentless pressure, and the breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders finished a swift move, converting Frenkie de Jong’s clever through ball with a clinical strike into the top-left corner, giving the Dutch an early lead. 

Reijnders almost doubled his tally soon after, striking the post with an audacious outside-of-the-boot effort, before Arsenal right-back Jurriën Timber also came close with an acrobatic attempt as the hosts dominated the first half.​

The Netherlands’ control was rewarded with three quick goals after the break. In the 58th minute, VAR spotted a Lithuanian handball inside the area, and Cody Gakpo coolly converted the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. 

Just two minutes later, Gakpo made an assist, sweeping a low cross into Xavi Simons, who neatly created space for himself before curling home the third goal. Lithuania had no space to breathe. Only moments after the restart, Donyell Malen completed the rout, sprinting clear on a counterattack, cutting inside, and blasting a left-footed shot into the roof of the net to make it four, assisted by Tijjani Reijnders.​