Netherlands Extend World Cup Qualifiers Lead as Finland Keeps Pace with a Vital Win
10 October 2025
Matchday Highlights
The Netherlands extended their lead in the World Cup qualifiers with a 4-0 away victory over Malta, while Finland edged Lithuania 2-1 on Thursday as the European qualifying round for the 2026 tournament moved forward.
For the Dutch, Cody Gakpo was the standout, converting a penalty after 12 minutes and again from the spot in the 48th, then laying on a pass for Tejan Reinders to make it 3-0 in the 57th. Memphis Depay capped the scoring with a stoppage-time header at 90+3.
The win lifts the Netherlands to 13 points with a game in hand, three points clear of second-placed Poland, while Finland’s 2-1 victory keeps their hopes alive at 10 points, alongside their rivals as the group tightens.
The Dutch will host Finland in Amsterdam on Sunday, with Poland visiting Lithuania in the other fixture in the same round of matches.
In Malta, the Dutch opened the scoring from a foul on Ryan Gravenberch inside the penalty area, with Gakpo converting the kick in the 12th minute. A second spot-kick followed after the break, again converted by Gakpo. The third goal arrived when a defender’s clearance fell to Reinders inside the box, and he finished calmly (57). Depay added a late fourth with a header from close range in stoppage time.
Finland’s win came through a second-half turnaround, as they equalised after the break and then took the lead through a sharp finish, clinching the points in Helsinki.
Defensive demarcation in the group was clear elsewhere as well, with Croatia and the Czech Republic playing out a goalless stalemate in Prague, leaving Croatia still atop the standings with a comfortable points cushion and the Czech Republic close behind.
In Group F, Denmark hammered Belarus 6-0, while Austria routed San Marino 10-0, with a multi-goal haul highlighting their dominance as the group heats up. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic celebrated his 100th match in charge of the side during the round, a milestone noted by fans and media alike.
Montenegro were defeated by the Faroe Islands 4-0 as the Faroe Islands continued their push for a playoff spot, keeping the Group’s complexion dynamic and competitive as the final rounds approach.
As the campaign progresses, managers will be counting the cost, while fans dream of the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year. The top side in each group earns direct qualification, while the second-placed teams face the playoff route to reach the tournament in 2026.
Punchline time: If football were a sniper, Netherlands would be the aim—always on target and somehow still making it look easy. Punchline 2: And Finland? They’re the extra-hard trainer who makes you sprint to the finish line, even if the scoreboard’s laughing at you in the corner.
