Germany emphatically booked their place at next year’s World Cup with a crushing 6-0 win over Slovakia in their final qualifier. Four first-half goals – from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, and a Leroy Sané brace created by Florian Wirtz – overwhelmed the visitors, who had beaten Germany earlier in the campaign. Second-half goals from Ridle Baku and 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouédraogo completed the rout. Slovakia must now navigate the playoffs in March.
The Netherlands also qualified comfortably, topping Group G after a dominant 4-0 victory over Lithuania. Tijjani Reijnders struck before half-time, with Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen adding quick-fire goals after the break. Poland sealed a playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 win in Malta.
Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a flat 1-0 home win over Luxembourg thanks to Jamie Donley’s penalty, though they already had a playoff berth secured via the Nations League.
Czech Republic, already guaranteed a playoff place, hammered Gibraltar 6-0, with five first-half goals and a sixth shortly after the interval. They finish second behind Croatia, who mounted a comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Montenegro 3-2.
