Buenos Aires, November 17 (NA) -- Germany and the Netherlands sealed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by finishing first in Groups A and G of the European qualifiers, respectively. According to the Argentine News Agency (NA), the German team crushed Slovakia with a resounding 6-0, while the Dutch did the same against Lithuania with a 4-0 victory in the final round of the qualifiers. In the first half of the match played at the Red Bull Arena, the team led by Julian Nagelsmann went into halftime with a four-goal lead thanks to goals from Nick Woltemade in the 18th minute, Serge Gnabry in the 29th, and Leroy Sané with a brace in the 36th and 41st minutes. In the second half, Germany sealed the rout with goals from Ridle Baku in the 67th minute and Assan Ouédraogo in the 78th. In this way, the Bavarian squad concluded their participation in the qualifiers in style by reaffirming their lead in Group A after defeating Luxembourg 2-0 in the first match of the current FIFA window. However, Slovakia's strong campaign in the qualifiers allowed them, despite the defeat, to secure a place in the Playoffs to compete for a spot in the next World Cup. On the other hand, the Netherlands demonstrated superiority against a Lithuania team that had not yet achieved any victory and had only managed to earn its three points from draws. Under the guidance of the legendary Ronald Koeman, the team went into halftime with just a one-goal lead, scored by Tijjani Reijnders in the 16th minute with a right-footed shot from inside the area to beat goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas. Finally, in a four-minute burst in the second half, Cody Gakpo from the penalty spot in the 58th, Xavi Simons in the 60th, and Donyell Malen in the 62nd appeared to seal the rout and secure their place in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Poland, who secured a playoff spot in Group G with 17 points. With the crucial participation of their star Robert Lewandowski, they managed to win 3-2 against Malta in a match that initially seemed more accessible. In the other matches of the round, the Czech Republic crushed Gibraltar 6-0 and will also play in the Playoffs, Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg 1-0, and Croatia, with qualification already secured, won 3-2 against Montenegro.
