FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifications: Germany suffers shock 2-0 loss against Slovakia

Four-time world champion Germany suffered his first loss in a World Cup qualification after his shock 2-0 defeat by host Slovakia in their opening qualification for the 2026 tournament on Thursday.

The Germans, who have set the goal of winning the World Cup 2026, had never lost a world cup qualification on the road before, and they have now lost their last three consecutive games, after the defeats of Portugal and France in the Nations League in June.

«We have not shown any emotionality in our game today. As far as emotions are concerned, the opponents were miles for us,» said Germany -coach Julian Nagelsmann.

«We want to go to the World Cup, but today we were miles away. I want to see that emotionality. We have chosen the best players in Germany, but perhaps we should attach less importance to quality and more for players who will give it all,» he added.

The Germans have had no impact on large international tournaments since the last win of the World Cup in 2014.

The Nagelsmann team was on the back foot with the Slovaks a golden chance in the first seconds with Lubomir Satka. Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer in their one-on-one with an excellent rescue in the 21st minute, in early warnings that the visitor did not succeed.

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The offensive game of Slovakia was bearing fruit in the 42nd when the Florian Wirtz van Germany lost and the host launched a quick break with David Hinchko and completed it with a nice finish.

Germany, toothless in the first half, looked more aggressive after the break, and Leon Goretzka came close. Slovakia, however, hit the Run of Play, where David Strelec defender Antonio Rüdiger sent the wrong way before he curled a shot along Baumann in the 55th.

«The first five minutes of the second half were a bit brighter, but the rest was pretty grim,» said Nagelsmann.

«I trust my team, but they have to understand that it is just a better player than the opponent is not enough if you do not show a willingness and desire. You will not get any results with the handbrake,» he added.

Germany, which was eliminated in the first round of the previous two world cups, was unable to set up a serious comeback, without missing ideas and bumping in the front.

Slovakia travels to Luxembourg for the next group A match on Sunday, while Germany is housing Noord -Irland.

Published on 05 September 2025