Germany, Netherlands will receive the World Cup finals on the last day -

So much for Germany in danger of missing out on the World Cup.

The risk of missing the World Cup for Germany is high.

Germany ended a poor start to the group stage with a 6-0 victory over Slovakia on Monday as the four-year champions continued their campaign at the World Cup.

"A brilliant performance from our team, with great pressure," Germany coach Julian Julian said.

The Germans are competing on football's biggest stage for the 21st time in 23 editions.They did not participate in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and were not allowed to participate in the 1950 edition.

Germany's long-time rivals the Netherlands also won their group to advance to next year's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.The Netherlands' 4-0 win over Lithuania ended the country's unbeaten run in qualifying to finish ahead of Poland.

Slovakia and Poland finished second to Germany and the Netherlands. 4 Who finishes second in their group will enter the playoffs.

Germany must avoid a goal against Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig to top the group.

Germany lost to Slovakia two months ago, but a repeat of the result was unlikely after Newcastle star Nick Woltemade put Germany 1-0 up in the 18th minute.

Serge Gnabry added another in the 29th minute and Leroy Sané added two more before halftime.Substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouédraogo completed the victory against Slovakia with second-half goals.

"I think we're back on track," Nagelsmann said."We can prepare with a free and open mind in March because we don't have the pressure of playing in the playoffs."

The Netherlands had to avoid disappointment to qualify for the World Cup, and the Dutch got off to an early start with TIJJANI RIJNDER leaving in the 16th minute.Cody Gakpo doubled the lead with a penalty in the bottom of the 58th

The UEFA play-offs will take place on Thursday, and 16 teams will compete for the four World Cup qualifiers in March 2026.

The draw for the World Cup will take place on December 5.

This story used information from PA and The Associated Press.