The Netherlands booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a smooth 4-0 win over Lithuania at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, closing out their qualifying campaign with authority.
Ronald Koeman’s side controlled the night from start to finish, with Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders anchoring midfield and Xavi Simons pulling the strings further forward.
Koeman has spent months testing different combinations in the middle of the pitch, but Monday’s display offered clarity.
The Dutch manager admitted afterward that he now knows his ideal midfield setup, though he declined to reveal it, telling reporters only, “You’ll see.”
Oranje were pushed at times in Group G, finishing just three points ahead of Poland, but the final performance reflected the confidence Koeman insists the team has earned.
He stressed that stability and focus must still improve, warning that lapses could prove costly next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Even so, Koeman believes few teams can match the Netherlands when they are at full flow, pointing to their consistency and resilience throughout the campaign.
