Overview
- Germany crushed Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig to top Group A, with Leroy Sané scoring twice and debutant Assan Ouedraogo becoming Germany’s youngest debut goalscorer at 19.
- Nick Woltemade and Serge Gnabry struck in the first half before Ridle Baku and Ouedraogo added late goals, sealing Germany’s 21st World Cup appearance and securing a favorable finals seeding.
- The Netherlands finished unbeaten atop Group G after a 4-0 win over Lithuania, with goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo (penalty), Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen.
- Poland beat Malta 3-2 yet finished second behind the Dutch, joining Slovakia—second to Germany—in the UEFA play-offs for a route to the finals.
- UEFA’s play-off draw takes place Nov. 20, with 16 teams vying in March 2026 for four European spots, and the World Cup finals draw is scheduled for Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.