Netherlands Nears World Cup Qualification with Draw Against Poland

Netherlands Nears World Cup Qualification with Draw Against Poland

Netherlands Nears World Cup Qualification with Draw Against Poland

The Netherlands has effectively secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup following a draw against Poland in Warsaw.

The team remains three points ahead of Poland at the top of Group G, bolstered by a superior goal difference of 13 goals as they head into the final fixtures on Monday.

Poland, already assured of at least a play-off position, initially took the lead when Robert Lewandowski assisted Jakub Kaminski, who scored by slotting the ball through Bart Verbruggen's legs.

However, Ronald Koeman's squad equalized early in the second half, with Donyell Malen's header being saved, allowing the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay, to find the net from the rebound.

This marked the 31-year-old Corinthians forward's eighth goal in the World Cup qualifiers, placing him second behind Norway's Erling Haaland, who has 14 goals.

The Netherlands needs only a point in their home match against Lithuania to guarantee qualification. Even in the event of a loss, Poland would need to win against Malta with a goal difference swing of 13 goals to surpass the Dutch.

Earlier on Friday, Finland's hopes for a play-off spot were dashed as they lost 1-0 to Malta.

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