FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Slovakia Stun Germany At Tehelne Pole

Germany lost an away World Cup qualifying game for the first time in a 2-0 upset against Slovakia on Thursday which threw its campaign to reach the 2026 tournament into immediate jeopardy. David Hancko and David Strelec each exploited mistakes in Germany’s defense to give Slovakia — which last qualified for the World Cup in 2010 — a surprise lead. Germany couldn’t find a way through the Slovakian defense to get back into the game. It was a blow to coach Julian Nagelsmann and his new-look lineup, including Newcastle’s new striker Nick Woltemade in his third Germany game and 21-year-old Nnamdi Collins making his debut at right back. Nagelsmann was scathing about his team, which he said lacked “emotionality” on the field and the will to win against motivated underdog opposition. He even questioned whether he should pick less skilled but more dedicated players instead.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 5 September 2025 4:49 pm

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_Francesco Calzona

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia's coach Francesco Calzona, left, celebrates with members of the Slovak team as they celebrate after winning the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_2

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

German players stand on the pitch after losing the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_3

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia players celebrate after winning the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_Nick Woltemade

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Germany's Nick Woltemade, right, is challenged by Slovakia's Norbert Gyomber and Lubomir Satka during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_David Strelec

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia players celebrate after Slovakia's David Strelec scored his side's second goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_Oliver Baumann

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Germany's Oliver Baumann clears the ball during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_David Hancko

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia's David Hancko, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia's David Hancko, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Slovakia's David Hancko scores the opening goal past Germany's Oliver Baumann during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers Matche Slovakia Vs Germany_Maximilian Mittelstadt

UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Slovakia Vs Germany | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

Germany's Maximilian Mittelstadt, left, closes down Slovakia's David Hancko during the World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match between Slovakia and Germany in Bratislava, Slovakia.