Preview: Lithuania vs Netherlands - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to maintain their unbeaten record in World Cup 2026 qualifying, the Netherlands visit section strugglers Lithuania in Kaunas on Sunday evening.

Trispalves picked up a respectable point on their own patch versus Malta earlier in the week, whilst Oranje were forced to share the spoils against Poland in Rotterdam on Thursday night.

Match preview

Sitting a lowly 143rd in the FIFA World Rankings following their highest position of 37th in October 2008, it is fair to say that Lithuanian football has suffered a regression over the past decade or so, with Sunday's hosts looking set for another unsuccessful qualification campaign.

Trispalves' winless run across all international matches stretched to a highly-concerning 12 games on Thursday night, when they could only manage a share of the points at home to section basement dwellers Malta, with a last-minute penalty needed to avoid a shock away triumph.

Holding his nerve from 12 yards out in the 97th minute to convert past visiting goalkeeper Henry Bonello, Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis is the standout man for Lithuania at the moment, with the 21-year-old being only player plying his trade in one of Europe's top five leagues.

At the halfway point of their qualification quest, Edgaras Jankauskas's troops are sitting fourth out of five teams in their section after going winless across their opening quartet of fixtures, already four points behind pacesetters Netherlands and Poland.

A small reason for optimism for those of a Lithuanian persuasion ahead of this weekend's daunting visit of Oranje, Trispalves are unbeaten across their home matches in World Cup 2026 qualifying to date, earning draws against Finland and Malta in March and September respectively.

The clear favourites to book an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup by the end of the November international window with a first-placed finish in this section, the Netherlands dropped their first points of the campaign on Thursday night at home to Poland.

Dominating throughout in terms of possession and the creation of clear-cut chances, Oranje thought they had secured victory once again courtesy of Denzel Dumfries's first-half effort, but the visitors snatched a point late on courtesy of Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.

Despite being forced into a share of the honours with Poland last time out, Netherlands remain top of their group on goal difference after netting 11 times in three games, with only Norway (13) and Croatia (12) scoring more so far in UEFA qualifying.

Heading towards the end of his career on the club scene following his 2024 move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians, Memphis Depay continues to be the main man for Ronald Koeman's side at the top end of the pitch, leading his nation in goals (3) and assists (2) during this qualification campaign.

The Darius and Girenas Stadium in Kaunas will play host to the first-ever meeting between Lithuania and the Netherlands in any competition, with the visitors overwhelming favourites to pick up maximum points to continue their charge towards North America next year.

Lithuania World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

L D D D

Lithuania form (all competitions):

L L D D L D

Netherlands World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

W W D

Netherlands form (all competitions):

D D L W W D

Team News

After picking up a red card during the draw with Malta earlier in the week, Lithuania defender Edgaras Utkus will be unable to feature on Sunday evening.

As a result, Trispalves need to find a new partner for Edvinas Girdvainis at centre-back, with Markas Beneta providing an experienced option for the role.

Rueing missed chances from his side in the draw against Poland, Netherlands boss Koeman could alter his attack slightly, with Wout Weghorst replacing Depay.

There are a pair of senior newbies who could earn their first-ever caps, with Feyenoord's Sem Steijn and Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs waiting patiently for an opportunity to impress.

Oranje's starting XI is expected to be dominated by Premier League names once again, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch key men for the visitors.

Lithuania possible starting lineup:

Gertmonas; Upstas, Girdvainis, Beneta, Tutyskinas; Vorobjovas, Sirgedas, Lasickas, Gineitis, Dolznikov; Paulauskas

Netherlands possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Reijnders, De Jong; Simons, Gakpo; Weghorst

We say: Lithuania 0-3 Netherlands

Winless across four qualifying matches so far, Lithuania are unlikely to enjoy a change in fortunes against the section favourites on Sunday evening.

Koeman was critical of his side's wastefulness in the match versus Poland, and we expect the Netherlands to take their Thursday night frustration out on their hosts this weekend.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.