The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are heating up, and this weekend brings a clash between Lithuania and the Netherlands in Group G.
For Lithuania, it’s another uphill battle — a team struggling at the bottom of the table, desperate to prove they belong on this stage. For the Netherlands, the pressure is on after dropping points to Poland in their last qualifier. Victory in Kaunas is not just expected; it’s essential if Ronald Koeman’s men want to stay on track for a direct qualification spot.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: team news, predicted lineups, head-to-head stats, betting odds, and the smartest predictions to consider.
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Match Details
- Fixture: Lithuania vs Netherlands
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA Group G
- Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025
- Kick-off Time: 17:00 CEST (local time in Kaunas)
- Venue: Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania
Group G Standings Before Kick-off
The group is tight at the top, but Lithuania find themselves far behind:
Netherlands – 7 pts from 3 games (2 wins, 1 draw)
Poland – 7 pts from 4 games (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
Finland – 7 pts from 4 games (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
Lithuania – 3 pts from 4 games (3 draws, 1 loss)
Malta – 2 pts from 5 games (2 draws, 3 losses)
The Netherlands are favorites, but they cannot afford complacency with Poland and Finland breathing down their necks.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman has refreshed his squad with both experience and youth. Bart Verbruggen is set to return in goal, while Memphis Depay’s recovery gives the attack more firepower. Two newcomers — goalkeeper Robin Roefs and midfielder Sem Steijn — have also been included, adding depth.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Gakpo, Depay.
Lithuania
Lithuania remain heavy underdogs, but coach Edgaras Jankauskas will look to set up defensively while hoping to counter through Lasickas and Paulauskas.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Gertmonas; Tutyskinas, Girdvainis, Beneta, Užpstas; Vorobyov, Gineitis; Sirgedas, Lasickas, Dolžnikov; Paulauskas.
Form Guide
Lithuania
- Without a win in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
- Goals remain scarce, with only three scored in the current qualifying campaign.
- Home advantage has not made a significant difference — they’ve struggled to convert possession into results.
Netherlands
- Won two of their last three games, both by four-goal margins.
- Conceded only one goal in qualifiers so far, showing strong defensive discipline.
- Their last outing ended 1–1 against Poland, leaving room for improvement in attack.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Lithuania and the Netherlands. While the Dutch boast a rich footballing history, Lithuania are still searching for consistency against Europe’s elite.
Why Netherlands Should Dominate
- Depth of Talent: From Van Dijk at the back to Depay in attack, the Dutch boast world-class options across the pitch.
- Lithuania’s Weakness: A lack of cutting edge and defensive frailties make them vulnerable against high-pressing teams.
- Motivation: With Poland and Finland close in the standings, the Dutch cannot afford to slip up.
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Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Full-Time Result
The Netherlands are overwhelming favorites, and anything other than an away win would be a shock. Backing the Dutch on the moneyline offers minimal returns, but combining it with other markets can create value.
Best Pick: Netherlands to win
2. Handicap Market
With the Netherlands often scoring freely against weaker opposition, betting on a handicap is popular. The –2.5 or –3.0 handicap lines offer good payout potential.
Best Pick: Netherlands –2.5 handicap
3. Goals Market
Lithuania rarely score against elite sides, while the Dutch have been ruthless in qualifiers. A high-scoring game is likely, with the Dutch doing all the damage.
Best Pick: Over 3.5 goals
4. Correct Score
Considering Lithuania’s poor attacking form and the Netherlands’ dominance, a one-sided scoreline seems realistic.
Best Picks: 0–3 or 0–4 Netherlands
5. Anytime Goalscorer
Memphis Depay, now fit again, remains the most dangerous Dutch attacker. Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons also carry strong threat.
Best Pick: Memphis Depay to score anytime
Betting Odds
The bookmakers have left little doubt about the likely outcome:
Lithuania win – 25/1
Draw – 11/1
Netherlands win – 1/12
These odds reflect the gulf in class. For bettors, the real value lies in handicap and goals markets.
Place your bets at JitaBet, and JitaWin, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
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Conclusion
The Lithuania vs Netherlands qualifier is expected to be one-sided, with the Oranje aiming to reassert control of Group G. Lithuania will fight hard in front of their home crowd, but the gulf in quality is undeniable. A convincing win for the Netherlands is the most probable outcome, with Memphis Depay tipped to make the difference in attack.
For bettors, handicap and goals markets are where the real value lies. Expect a dominant Dutch display and plenty of goals on Sunday night.
