Germany and Netherlands Secure World Cup Berths, Slovakia to Fight for Spot in Playoffs
Berlin/Amsterdam – November 21, 2023 – Germany and the netherlands both clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, November 21st, following decisive victories in their respective qualifying groups. The results leave Slovakia facing a playoff battle to secure their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.
These qualifications mark a return to form for both footballing powerhouses. Germany, undergoing a rebuilding phase after disappointing performances in recent major tournaments, demonstrated meaningful progress under their current leadership. The Netherlands, similarly, will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the global stage. The expanded World Cup format, increasing the number of participating nations from 32 to 48, has heightened the stakes for European teams vying for limited automatic qualification spots, making these results especially significant.
Germany topped Group B with an unassailable points total after a 3-1 win against Turkey. The Dutch secured their place from Group B with a 6-0 victory over Ireland. Slovakia finished second in Group E, behind Albania, and will now enter the playoff system alongside other nations who fell short of automatic qualification.
The playoffs,scheduled for March 2025,will offer a final opportunity for several european teams to earn their place at the World Cup. The draw for the playoffs will take place in the coming weeks, determining the pathways for Slovakia and other contenders as they strive to reach the tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.