Germany Thrash Slovakia 6:0 to Clinch Direct 2026 World Cup Qualification in Style

Key Takeaways:

• Germany recorded a comprehensive 6:0 win over Slovakia in Leipzig to secure top spot in Group “A” and claim direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup
• Leroy Sané stood out with two goals and an assist, while Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku, and Assan Ouédraogo also found the net last night
• Slovakia finished second in the group and will seek a World Cup berth through the play-offs

Match Analysis

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany delivered a performance to delight their supporters, recording a dominant 6:0 triumph over Slovakia in a pivotal World Cup qualifier. The result, achieved at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, confirmed the Bundesteam as Group “A” winners, thereby assuring their automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup finals.

Germany required only a draw to guarantee first place, whereas Slovakia headed into the match needing a win to secure automatic qualification. The hosts, eager to avenge September’s 0:2 setback in Bratislava, laid down an emphatic marker by scoring four times before the interval and maintained their superiority through the second period.

EINFACH GEIL!!! 🚀🚀🚀#GERSVK #dfbteam
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— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) November 17, 2025

Starting Line-ups and Tactical Set-up

Nagelsmann started with Oliver Baumann in goal, shielded by a back four of captain Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, and David Raum. Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlović patrolled midfield, flanked further forward by Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, and Florian Wirtz, with Nick Woltemade leading the line. Germany’s bench included Karim Adeyemi, Kevin Schade, Malick Thiaw, Felix Nmecha, Jamie Leweling, and Waldemar Anton.

Slovakia, lining up with three forwards—David Ďuriš, David Strelec, and Leo Sauer—opted for Matúš Bero, Stanislav Lobotka, and Ondrej Duda in midfield. Martin Dúbravka took position between the posts, backed by Norbert Gyömbér, Milan Škriniar, Adam Obert, and Dávid Hancko in defence. Among Slovakia’s substitutes were Lukáš Haraslín, Róbert Boženík, Ivan Schranz, Patrik Hrošovský, Denis Vavro, and Peter Pekarík.

Key Moments and Player Performances

The contest began with Germany pressing high, but the Slovaks initially maintained composure, closing down space effectively. The hosts steadily asserted control, and their dominance paid dividends in the 19th minute when Joshua Kimmich crossed for Nick Woltemade to head home the opener.

Slovakia responded with two chances for David Ďuriš, however, Baumann denied him with a fine save on 21 minutes, and, from the subsequent corner, Ďuriš fired over. Matúš Bero sustained an injury and was replaced by Tomáš Rigo midway through the half.

Serge Gnabry was denied by Dúbravka at the near post in the 25th minute, but after an incisive pass from Goretzka, Gnabry made no mistake in the 29th minute to double the advantage for Germany. A rare Slovak chance fell to Hancko, but the defender’s shot was wide before Germany struck again moments later, with Florian Wirtz setting up Leroy Sané for a composed third.

Just before half-time, another slick German move saw Wirtz tee up Sané at the back post, and the winger fired in spectacularly to make it 4:0.

Second Half: Germany Seals the Rout

Felix Nmecha came on for Pavlović at the break, with Slovakia introducing Ivan Schranz and Ľubomír Šatka. Sané narrowly missed out on a hat-trick early in the second period with a free kick that struck the wall. Ďuriš squandered another opportunity for Slovakia, firing straight at Baumann.

As Germany slightly eased off, Ridle Baku increased the tally to 5:0 in the 67th minute following Serge Gnabry’s assist. Substitute Nmecha also tested Dúbravka, but the goalkeeper reacted well to prevent further damage.

Assan Ouédraogo, also introduced from the bench, added a sixth and his debut goal for Germany with a composed finish in the 79th minute, following quick passing and a final ball from Sané. Germany showed mercy thereafter, while referee François Letexier brought a swift conclusion without added time.

Head-to-Head Record and Group Outcome

With this win, Germany improved their historic record against Slovakia to four wins and three defeats. Slovakia’s second-place group finish means they must now attempt to reach the World Cup finals via the play-offs.

Match Statistics