World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Germany stumble, Slovakia shine
Germany's midfielder #22 David Raum (L) reacts as Slovakia's players celebrate the 2-0 during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group A first round football match between Slovakia and Germany, on September 4, 2025 in Bratislava. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP)
The road to the 2026 World Cup kicked off with major surprises on Thursday evening. Germany, four-time world champions, started their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia. Despite fielding key players such as Wirtz and Kimmich, Julian Nagelsmann’s side struggled against a disciplined and clinical opponent.
The Slovaks struck first just before halftime through Hancko (42’), putting pressure on the visitors. Early in the second half, Strelec doubled the lead with a superb left-footed strike after a long ball from Gyömbér (55’). Germany dominated possession in the final half-hour but failed to break down the resolute Sokoli defense. With this prestigious win, Slovakia claim the top spot in Group A.
Elsewhere in the same group, Northern Ireland secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Luxembourg. Goals from Reid (7’), Charles (46’), and Devenny (69’) sealed the win, strengthening their position in the standings.
In other matches, Belgium and Spain cruised to comfortable victories, while the Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland. As fans await France’s debut clash against Ukraine, the qualifiers are already proving unpredictable and full of drama, setting the tone for an intense race to the 2026 World Cup.
