The Netherlands came from behind to draw 1-1 with Poland in Warsaw and take a major step toward direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
With one match left to play, the Dutch top Group G, three points clear of the Poles after Memphis Depay‘s second-half equaliser canceled Jakub Kaminski‘s opener.
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A win in Warsaw would have secured qualification for Ronald Koeman’s side but they are all but secure of clinching their spot going into their final match against bottom-of-the-group Lithuania on Monday.
As well as a three-point cushion, the Netherlands also have a vastly superior goal difference than Poland, who take on Malta.
«I am more disappointed than happy but on the other hand we made another step toward qualification,» Koeman said. «It is not easy to play against teams who defend very deep. We had to be patient, we had to try to attack in different ways, but we did not create enough good opportunities.»
The second-placed team advances to the playoffs for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Three-time World Cup runners-up, the Netherlands reached the quarterfinals of the last World Cup in Qatar.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
