Germany endured a stunning 2–0 loss to Slovakia in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday in Bratislava — marking their first-ever away defeat in a World Cup qualifying match.
World-ranked 52nd, Slovakia outplayed the four-time champions and went ahead in the 42nd minute after David Hancko capitalised on a midfield turnover. Hancko later turned provider early in the second half, setting up David Strelec, who cut in from the right and fired past a sluggish Antonio Rüdiger.
It was a historic victory for Slovakia, their first ever over Germany in a competitive fixture. For Germany, it was just their fourth defeat in World Cup qualifying history, following losses to Portugal (1985), England (2001), and North Macedonia (2021).
The result piles pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann, less than a year before the 2026 tournament. Germany, despite being tournament regulars, have exited at the group stage in the last two World Cups.
Nagelsmann had entered the match confidently, expressing a strong desire to win the World Cup, but his side were underwhelming. Already missing attackers Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst, Germany suffered a further blow before kick-off when starting striker Niclas Füllkrug was ruled out with a calf injury. New Newcastle signing Nick Woltemade replaced him up front.
Germany looked off the pace from the start, with Slovakia exploiting gaps in their defence — particularly through Leo Sauer, who repeatedly found space behind the centre-backs. Slovakia had several first-half chances but only broke through just before the interval.
After winning possession from Florian Wirtz, Slovakia surged forward. Strelec played a quick one-two with Hancko, who lost Rüdiger and fired past Oliver Baumann to give the hosts the lead.
Germany had a chance to equalise early in the second half, but Leon Goretzka failed to beat Martin Dúbravka in a one-on-one. Slovakia responded almost immediately with a second goal — Strelec weaving through the defence and blasting past Rüdiger and Baumann.
Despite dominating possession, Germany created little in attack and will now face growing scrutiny ahead of their next qualifier on Sunday at home to Northern Ireland in Cologne.
