Germany will begin the World Cup qualifying group with a loss by Slovakia, the third straight loss for the four winner.
Released on September 4th, 2025
The four-time world champion Germany received their first away loss in the World Cup qualifiers after a 2–0 defeat by hosts Slovakia in the opening qualifiers of the 2026 tournament.
The German, who set the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, has never lost a World Cup qualifier on the streets so far, losing three consecutive matches following the losses between Portugal and France in June.
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“We didn’t show any emotion in today’s game. From an emotional perspective, our opponent was a few miles ahead of us,” German coach Julian Nagelsmann said after Thursday’s defeat. “We want to go to the World Cup, but today we were miles away.
“I want to see that feeling. We chose the best players in Germany, but maybe we have to place more importance on the quality of the players who pass it all there.”
The Germans have not affected major international tournaments since their last victory in the 2014 World Cup.
Nagelsmann’s team missed a golden chance in the opening seconds at Lubomir Satka, and Slovaki missed a golden chance and stepped into the back. German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann rejected Leo Soher one-on-one with a great save in the 21 minutes, rejecting him with an early warning that the visitors didn’t take notice.
Slovakia’s offensive play paid off as the 42nd when German Florian Wiltz lost ownership and the hosts started a quick break with David Hunchko completing it with a great finish.
The teethless Germany in the first half looked more aggressive after the break, with Leon Goretzka approaching. However, Slovakia opposed the run of play, with David Strerek sending defender Antonio Rudiger the wrong way, curling the shot past Bauman on the 55th.
“The first five minutes of the second half were a little brighter, but the rest was pretty tough,” Nagelsmann said.
“I trust my team, but they need to realize that it’s not enough to be a better player than their opponent unless they show their will and desires.
The German, who was eliminated in the first round of the previous two World Cups, was unable to make a serious comeback, had no idea and punched up ahead of time.
Slovakia travels to Luxembourg for the next Group A match on Sunday, and Germany will host Northern Ireland.
