Germany stormed into next year’s World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia, securing top spot in their group. Four first-half goals – from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, and a Leroy Sané double – put the match out of reach early. Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouédraogo added late goals, the latter becoming Germany’s youngest-ever scorer at 19. Slovakia, who had beaten Germany in September, were overwhelmed and will head to the playoffs.
The Netherlands also booked their place at the finals with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Lithuania. After Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring, the Dutch pulled away in the second half as Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen all found the net, sealing top spot in Group G.
Poland kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 3-2 win in Malta, clinching a playoff place. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Pawel Wszolek and a late Piotr Zielinski strike earned the victory in a tense match.
Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a flat 1-0 win over Luxembourg thanks to Jamie Donley’s penalty, though their playoff hopes now depend on their earlier Nations League success rather than qualifying results.
Czech Republic, already assured of a playoff, crushed Gibraltar 6-0 with five first-half goals, while Croatia came from two down to beat Montenegro 3-2 and finish top of their group.
