So much for Germany being at risk of missing the World Cup.
A 6-0 thrashing of Slovakia on Monday completed Germany's recovery from a shocking start to group play as the four-time champion continued its impressive run of qualifying for the World Cup.
"A brilliant game from our team, with a lot of pressure," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
The Germans will be competing on soccer's biggest stage for the 21st time in 23 editions. They didn't enter the inaugural 1930 World Cup and were not allowed to participate in the 1950 edition.
The Netherlands -- a long-standing rival of Germany -- also won its group to reach next year's tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Netherlands' 4-0 win over Lithuania capped the country's unbeaten qualifying record to finish ahead of Poland.
Slovakia and Poland, which finished second to Germany and the Netherlands, respectively, in their groups, will be in the playoffs.
Germany needed to avoid an upset against Slovakia at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig to guarantee top spot in Group A and its place at the World Cup.
Germany lost to Slovakia two months ago, but a repeat outcome appeared unlikely after Newcastle star Nick Woltemade gave Germany a 1-0 lead 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 each scored second-half goals to complete the blowout over Slovakia.
"I think we're back on the road," 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 defeat to qualify for the World Cup, and the Dutch got off to a quick start thanks to Tijjani Reijnders' goal in the 16th minute. Cody Gakpo's penalty in the 58th minute doubled the lead, and Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen each added a goal to seal Poland's second-place spot in the group.
The UEFA playoff draw takes place Thursday and will include 16 teams competing for four World Cup spots in games played in March of 2026.
The World Cup draw is on Dec. 5.
Information from PA and The Associated Press was used in this story.