
Slovakia stuns Germany 2-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers
September 4, 2025: A Night Germany Will Want to Forget
Slovakia Stuns Germany: A Shocking Start to FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – In a stunning upset, Slovakia defeated Germany 2-0 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers on September 4, 2025, at the Tehelne Pole Stadium in Bratislava. This was Germany’s first-ever loss in an away World Cup qualifier, making it a historic moment for Slovakia and a wake-up call for the four-time world champions.
Germany entered the match as clear favourites, ranked 9th in the world and backed by a strong squad. But Slovakia, ranked 52nd, showed grit and determination. Goals from David Hancko and David Strelec exposed Germany’s defensive errors and sealed the victory for the Falcons.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed deep disappointment, criticizing his team’s lack of “willingness and desire” and hinting that future selections might favour passion over pure skill.
Slovakia’s Moment of Glory
For Slovakia, this win was more than just three points, it was a statement. The team, led by coach Francesco Calzona, had only qualified for the World Cup once before, in 2010. But on this night, they looked like seasoned contenders.
Hancko’s goal came from a well-timed strike that caught Germany off guard, while Strelec capitalized on a defensive mistake to double the lead. The Slovakian defense, anchored by Martin Dúbravka and Milan Škriniar, held firm against Germany’s attacks, frustrating stars like Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka.
Fans in Bratislava erupted with joy, and social media lit up with praise for Slovakia’s fearless performance. The win gives them a strong start in Group A, which also includes Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
Germany’s Campaign in Trouble
Germany’s loss has thrown their qualification hopes into early doubt. Historically dominant, Germany has played in every World Cup since 1954. But this defeat marks only the fourth time they’ve lost a World Cup qualifier and the first time away from home.
Nagelsmann’s lineup featured young talents like Nick Woltemade and Nnamdi Collins, but the team lacked chemistry and urgency. Despite having 70% possession and more shot attempts, Germany couldn’t break through Slovakia’s defense.
The pressure is now on Germany to win their remaining matches to avoid the playoffs. Their next game against Northern Ireland will be crucial. If they fail to bounce back, their path to the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico could be in serious danger.
Elsewhere in the Qualifiers: Messi Shines, Spain and Belgium Cruise
While Germany stumbled, other football giants delivered strong performances:
- Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, secured another win, keeping their campaign on track. Messi’s leadership and skill continue to inspire fans worldwide.
- Spain dominated Bulgaria with a 3-0 victory, thanks to early goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino.
- 🇧🇪 Belgium crushed Liechtenstein 6-0, with standout goals from Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne.
These results show that while some favourites are thriving, others like Germany are facing unexpected challenges.
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