Tijjani Reijnders scored with Nathan Ake also featuring as the Netherlands became the latest European nation to book their place at the 2026 World Cup finals, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lithuania. Reijnders has grown into one of Ronald Koeman’s most influential players throughout the Group G qualifying campaign.
The Manchester City midfielder once again proved his value by opening the scoring at the Johan Cruyff Arena. In the 16th minute, he fired home after connecting beautifully with a precise assist from Frenkie de Jong. Moments later, he came close to doubling the tally, but his effort struck the post after another flowing Dutch attack dismantled the Lithuanian defense.
The Netherlands’ control of the game eventually produced a burst of goals that sealed their qualification in style. Cody Gakpo doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, before Xavi Simons added a third just two minutes later. Donyell Malen capped off the celebratory spell with a goal in the 62nd minute, putting the match far beyond Lithuania’s reach.
With the win, the Netherlands finished top of Group G with 20 points from eight matches, securing their place at next summer’s World Cup showcase. Elsewhere in Monday’s qualifiers, Josko Gvardiol helped Croatia—already qualified—to complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Montenegro in their final Group L fixture.
Montenegro started strongly with a third-minute opener from Milutin Osmajic, followed by a second from Nikola Krstovic in the 17th minute. Croatia pulled one back before halftime through an Ivan Perisic penalty after a lengthy VAR review. Gvardiol was substituted shortly after the break, but the Croatian pressure continued.
Kristijan Jakic equalized with a powerful strike in the 73rd minute, before Nikola Vlasic completed the comeback three minutes from time. Croatia topped Group L with 22 points from eight games, comfortably securing their place in the 2026 World Cup finals.
