Croatia secures qualification for next year world cup It ended with a 3-1 victory. A dream of a small Faroe Islands On Friday, the Netherlands drew with Poland to move closer to qualifying.
Croatia knew before kick-off that they would qualify if they avoided defeat against Rijeka, but they suffered a called defeat in the 16th minute when Geza David Turi scored with a deflected shot.
However, the 2018 World Cup runner-up quickly recovered his form with Hoško Gvardiol tied for 23rd place. Petar Musa, who returned to the national team for the first time in two years, gave Croatia a 2-1 lead after half-time with an assist from Josip Stanisic. Croatia were in complete control and added a third goal when Nikola Vlasic volleyed home a precise cross from Ivan Perisic at the far post.
This is the Faroe Islands’ final match in Group L, and the team will finish second behind second-placed Czech Republic. The second-place team will advance to the World Cup playoffs, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In the other group match, Montenegro defeated Gibraltar 2-1.
A big draw for the Dutch
The Netherlands, coached by Ronald Koeman, came from behind to win 1-1 against Poland in Warsaw, taking a big step toward directly qualifying for Group G.
With one game remaining, Memphis Depay’s late equalizer canceled out Jakub Kaminski’s opener, leaving the Netherlands at the top of their group with a three-point lead over Poland. The Netherlands have a much higher goal difference ahead of the final against Lithuania. Poland will play Malta on Monday.
Germany and Slovakia battle for first place
In Group A, Germany won 2-0 against Luxembourg with Nick Waltemade scoring twice, ensuring a top-two finish. Slovakia scored late on to beat visiting Northern Ireland 1-0.
Germany and Slovakia are level on points and will meet in Leipzig on Monday in a match to decide the group winner. Slovakia had two goals ruled out, but Tomáš Bobček broke the deadlock in stoppage time.
Malta achieves rare victory over Finland
Malta scored the only shot on target in Group G against Helsinki, crushing Finland 1-0 and snatching their first win in 2026 World Cup qualifying. According to the Maltese Football Association, this is only Malta’s fourth ever victory in a World Cup qualifier.
Midfielder Jake Gretsch came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and scored the winning goal from just outside the box three minutes later. For Malta, it was only their second goal in seven qualifying games out of 16 conceded.
Malta have moved up to fourth place in European Group G, five points behind Finland, who do not qualify.
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