2026 World Cup qualifiers: Dutch firepower, Nordic shocks, and Tartan grit light up matchday 8

Not to be outdone, the Faroe Islands pulled off a seismic upset against Czechia in Group L, and ripples spread through Groups H and G with Romania's late drama and Poland's efficiency ensuring no shortage of talking points ahead of November's finale.

Netherlands Crush Finland to Cement Group G Summit

The Netherlands have turned the Johan Cruyff ArenA into a fortress, dismantling Finland 4-0 to extend their unbeaten run and hold a commanding lead in Group G with 18 points from eight matches.

Donyell Malen's early rocket from distance, sparked by a slick exchange with Memphis Depay, set the tone in the eighth minute, followed by captain Virgil van Dijk's towering header from Depay's free-kick just 11 minutes later. Depay coolly converted a penalty before halftime, and Cody Gakpo sealed the rout with a thunderous strike off Xavi Simons' assist late on.

Poland lurk six points back in second after their parallel 2-0 win over Lithuania, but the Oranje's goal difference now stands at +22, making them favorites to qualify directly.

Denmark Dispatch Greece to Share Group C Spoils with Scotland

Denmark have kept the pressure on in Group C, where they sit level on 13 points with Scotland after a 3-1 victory over Greece that showcased their ruthless edge. Rasmus Hojlund capitalized on a defensive lapse to open the scoring in the 21st minute, and the hosts surged ahead before the break with Joachim Andersen's corner nod and Mikkel Damsgaard's venomous long-range effort.

Christos Tzolis pulled one back for Greece with a fierce finish, but Brian Riemer's men held firm to stay unbeaten at home.

Scotland, also on 13 points, face Greece next month in a showdown that could decide the group winner, while Greece slip to third with seven points and Belarus anchor the bottom on two.

Scotland Edge Belarus in Nail-Biter to Match Danish Pace

Scotland have clawed their way to parity with Denmark atop Group C, grinding out a 2-1 win over Belarus at Hampden Park that echoes their gritty Thursday scrap against Greece. Che Adams settled early nerves with a clever turn and low drive into the far corner after Jack Hendry's incisive pass, but it was Scott McTominay's instinctive poacher's finish from Andy Robertson's cross in the 84th minute that proved decisive.

Hleb Kuchko's stoppage-time consolation couldn't undo the damage, leaving Steve Clarke's side unbeaten in their last five qualifiers and brimming with momentum for the November deciders.

Faroe Islands Floor Czechia for Third Straight Competitive Triumph

In one of the weekend's true fairy tales, the Faroe Islands have stunned Czechia 2-1 in Torshavn, notching their third consecutive competitive victory and fourth win in Group L to climb to third place with 12 points.

Martin Agnarsson's 81st-minute header from a corner proved the winner after a hard-fought battle, sending the tiny nation into raptures and handing a boost to leaders Croatia. The Croats, now three points clear on 16 with a game in hand, cruised 3-0 past Gibraltar to solidify their promotion push, while Czechia drop to second on 13 points, their title hopes dented.

Romania Rock Austria to Shatter Group H Perfection

Austria's flawless start in Group H have crumbled in dramatic fashion, as Romania snatched a 1-0 win in Bucharest with Virgil Ghita's stoppage-time header from a set-piece, vaulting the hosts to second place on 13 points.

The result ends Austria's run of five straight wins, leaving them third on 12, while Cyprus leapfrogged into fourth with a 4-0 thrashing of San Marino, who remain winless at the foot with zero points.

Romania's resilience keeps the group wide open, with just three points separating the top three.

Poland Power Past Lithuania to Boost Group G Push

Poland have kept their Group G credentials alive with a composed 2-0 defeat of Lithuania in Vilnius, positioning them second on nine points behind the rampant Netherlands.

Sebastian Szymanski's audacious corner-kick goal broke the deadlock, and Robert Lewandowski added his trademark poise from the spot to extend Poland's unbeaten streak. Lithuania, rooted to the bottom with one point, face an uphill climb, but Szymanski's set-piece sorcery signals Poland's growing threat in the race for runner-up and playoff glory.

Sunday's results

Group H: San Marino 0-4 Cyprus

Group C: Scotland 2-1 Belarus

Group L: Faroe Islands 2-1 Czechia

Group C: Denmark 3-1 Greece

Group G: Lithuania 0-2 Poland

Group G: Netherlands 4-0 Finland

Group H: Romania 1-0 Austria

Group L: Croatia 3-0 Gibraltar