Needing just a point to guarantee their berth at World Cup 2026, the Netherlands ran out comfortable winners at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam. Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders gave them a half-time lead before three goals in four minutes settled the contest with Gakpo converting a penalty before Xavi’s fine effort was followed by a strike from Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen.
Xavi’s goal was his sixth for his country on what was his 32nd cap and he played 78 minutes before being replaced by Luciano Valente, while Micky van de Ven remained an unused substitute. Meanwhile, the result means the Netherlands have now qualified for 12 World Cups.
