Germany booked their place at next year’s World Cup in style, demolishing Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier to finish atop their group. Four first-half goals — from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and two from Leroy Sané — overwhelmed Slovakia, who now drop into March’s playoff. Germany added two more after the break through Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouédraogo, who became the youngest German goalscorer at 19.
The Netherlands also qualified comfortably with a dominant 4-0 win over Lithuania. Leading 1-0 at half-time through Tijjani Reijnders, the Dutch scored three quick second-half goals via Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen to secure top spot in Group G.
Poland clinched a playoff berth with a dramatic 3-2 win in Malta. Robert Lewandowski and Pawel Wszolek scored before Piotr Zielinski struck late to seal the victory.
Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a flat 1-0 win over Luxembourg thanks to Jamie Donley’s first international goal from the penalty spot, though their playoff hopes rest on last year’s Nations League success.
The Czech Republic, already assured of a playoff, crushed Gibraltar 6-0, scoring five times before half-time and adding another early in the second half. They finish behind group winners Croatia, who mounted a comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Montenegro 3-2.
