Netherlands Cruise Past Finland in World Cup Qualifier
Netherlands delivered a commanding performance to thrash Finland 4–0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying clash, further tightening their grip on Group G.
Donyell Malen opened the scoring just eight minutes in, before captain Virgil van Dijk doubled the lead with a towering header. Memphis Depay calmly converted from the penalty spot late in the first half, marking his 54th international goal — extending his record as the all-time leading scorer for the Dutch national team.
Cody Gakpo added a fourth in the 84th minute to round off a dominant display by Ronald Koeman’s side, who now sit top of the group with 16 points.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers
Netherlands - Finland 4:0 (3:0)
Goals: Malen, 8 (1:0); van Dijk, 17 (2:0); Depay, 38 (penalty) (3:0); Gakpo, 84 (4:0)
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Timber J. (van Hecke, 62); van Dijk; van de Ven (Ake, 71); Dumfries; de Jong F.; Gravenberch R. (Reijnders, 46); Depay (Weghorst, 62); Gakpo; Malen (Simons Xavi, 79); Kluivert
Substitution: Reijnders (from 46); van Hecke (from 62); Weghorst (from 62); Ake (from 71); Simons Xavi (from 79)
Bench: Roefs; Flekken; de Vrij; Frimpong J.; Hartman Q.; Koopmeiners T.; Schouten
Finland: Joronen; Lähteenmäki; Tenho; Koski; Stahl; Alho (Peltola, 60); Walta (Skyttä, 81); Vaananen Santeri (Lod, 60); Kairinen; Antman (Källman, 69); Keskinen (Pohjanpalo, 70)
Substitution: Peltola (from 60); Lod (from 60); Källman (from 69); Pohjanpalo (from 70); Skyttä (from 81)
Bench: Sinisalo; Bergström; Pikkarainen; Uronen; Pukki; Svanback; Terho
Yellow Cards: Koski 86
