European Qualification 2026: Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia head to the World Cup, while Slovakia is in shock

The European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup concluded in Groups A, G and L, bringing fans a true goal-filled spectacle and several surprises. Following the decisive matches on November 17, Germany and the Netherlands secured direct World Cup berths, with Croatia having qualified earlier. The playoff spots went to Czechia, Slovakia, Poland and Northern Ireland (the latter thanks to the Nations League).

Group A: Germany into the finals, Slovakia knocked out
The final matchday became a real tragedy for Slovakia. Entering the game with a chance to win the group, the team suffered the heaviest official defeat in its history — 0–6 against Germany.

Nick Woltemade opened the scoring with a header, after which Germany simply overran their opponent: Gnabry, a double from Sané, Baku and debutant Assan Ouédraogo all found the net. Only Bauman’s brilliant saves prevented Slovakia from scoring at least a consolation goal. In the parallel match, Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg (1–0), finishing third and earning a playoff spot via the Nations League.

Final Group A standings:
Germany — 15
Slovakia — 12
Northern Ireland — 9
Luxembourg — 0

Group G: The Netherlands stay calm, Poland chase their chance
The Netherlands booked their direct ticket comfortably, defeating Lithuania 4–0. After Reijnders’ opener, the hosts completely dominated: Gakpo converted a penalty, Simons scored after a solo run, and Malen rounded off the rout with a blistering sprint from his own half.

Poland hoped until the last moment for a slip from the Dutch but had to settle for the playoffs. Urban’s team edged Malta 3–2 in a tough match: the hosts equalized twice, but in the 85th minute Zieliński scored with a deflected shot that proved decisive.

Final Group G standings:
Netherlands — 20
Poland — 17
Finland — 10
Malta — 5
Lithuania — 2

Group L: Croatia turns the match around, Czechia crushes Gibraltar
Croatia, which had already dominated the group, put on a spectacular finale, defeating Montenegro 3–2. The team was trailing 0–2 but produced an impressive comeback, crowned by a stunning strike from Nikola Vlašić. The “Chequered Ones” completed the campaign having dropped only two points.

Czechia secured second place by demolishing Gibraltar 6–0 — six goals scored by six different players, demonstrating the depth of their squad ahead of the playoffs.

Final Group L standings:
Croatia — 22
Czechia — 16
Faroe Islands — 12
Montenegro — 9
Gibraltar — 0

Qualified for the 2026 World Cup
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Croatia

Playoff participants
• Czechia
• Slovakia
• Poland
• Northern Ireland (via Nations League)

On November 18 the final qualification matches will take place, followed by the playoff draw on November 20. The playoff matches will be played in March 2026.