Germany, Netherlands qualify for 2026 World Cup

Tuesday, 18 November 2025 07:04

By Reuters

Four-time World Cup champion Germany finally secured their place in the 2026 edition with a 6-0 rout over Slovakia on Monday.

It will be Germany's 21st appearance in the World Cup, with the only two editions the country has missed being the inaugural 1930 World Cup it didn't enter and the 1950 tournament it was not allowed to enter.

European rival the Netherlands also qualified on Monday with a 4-0 win over Lithuania to complete an unbeaten run through group play.

The road was more dramatic for Germany, which opened their Group A play with a loss to Slovakia.

They recovered from only their third loss ever in World Cup qualifying to reel off five consecutive victories.

Germany only needed a draw on Monday to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, but put the game out of reach with four goals in the first half.

Germany's most recent World Cup title came in 2014, but have failed to advance out of the group stage in the past two editions.

The Netherlands are still seeking the country's first World Cup trophy, having finished runner-up three times.

More from Sports News

Ireland beat India for first time in international cricket

Abhishek Sharma's 19-ball fifty went in vain as world champions India were surprisingly beaten by Ireland for the first time in international cricket, slumping to a 34-run defeat in the first Twenty20 in Belfast on Friday.
England roar back in second test against New Zealand

England roared back into contention on the second day of the third and deciding test against New Zealand with Ben Duckett's rapid century helping his side to 223-2 after three wickets for returning captain Ben Stokes helped to dismiss the visitors for 438 at a sizzling Trent Bridge.
Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.