Germany Stunned by Slovakia in Historic World Cup Qualifying Defeat
Germany suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking their first-ever away loss in World Cup qualifying history — a record that had stood unbroken for decades.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when David Hancko capitalised on a defensive lapse from the German backline to slot home the opener for the hosts. Things went from bad to worse for Julian Nagelsmann’s side after the break.
In the 55th minute, David Strelec doubled Slovakia’s advantage with a composed finish, turning inside past Antonio Rüdiger before firing a precise shot into the bottom corner. Despite creating several chances, Germany failed to find a way back into the match.
The result sends shockwaves through Group and raises serious questions about Germany’s path to direct qualification for the tournament in North America next year.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers
Slovakia - Germany 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Hancko, 42 (1:0); Strelec, 55 (2:0)
Slovakia: Dubravka; Šatka; Gyomber; Škriniar; Hancko; Duda (Benes, 90); Bero; Lobotka; Sauer L. (Tupta, 83); Strelec (Boženík, 83); Duris D. (Rigo, 66)
Substitution: Rigo (from 66); Boženík (from 83); Tupta (from 83); Benes (from 90)
Bench: Rodak; Takáč; Pekarík; Mesik; Obert; Kmet; Hrošovský; Bobček
Yellow Cards: Benes 90
Germany: Baumann; Rudiger; Tah J.; Collins N. (Raum D., 46); Mittelstädt; Kimmich; Goretzka; Stiller (Amiri N., 60); Wirtz; Gnabry (Adeyemi K., 66); Woltemade
Substitution: Raum D. (from 46); Amiri N. (from 60); Adeyemi K. (from 66)
Bench: Nübel; Dahmen F.; Koch; Anton; Groß; Leweling; Andrich; Nebel P.; Fuellkrug
Yellow Cards: Rudiger 61; Adeyemi K. 89; Mittelstädt 90
