Bratislava, 4 September 2025 — Slovakia stunned four-time world champions Germany with a 2-0 victory in their opening World Cup qualifying match, handing Julian Nagelsmann’s side only the fourth qualifying defeat in their history.
David Hancko broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time, carrying the ball from deep inside his own half, combining with David Strelec, and slotting coolly past goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Strelec then doubled the lead 10 minutes into the second half, outwitting Antonio Rüdiger with slick footwork before curling a brilliant finish into the top corner.
Despite boasting Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz and Newcastle’s new signing Nick Woltemade, Germany struggled to create clear-cut chances and looked blunt in attack.
The defeat leaves Die Mannschaft under pressure ahead of Sunday’s home clash against Northern Ireland, who opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Luxembourg.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers:
Spain cruised to a 3-0 win in Bulgaria, with Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino on the scoresheet.
Poland snatched a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands, as Matty Cash’s late equaliser cancelled out Denzel Dumfries’s opener.
Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein 6-0 in Group J, while Wales edged Kazakhstan 1-0 earlier in the day.
The top team in each group will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while runners-up head into the play-offs.
