Slovakia have been on a generational run in these WCQs and are a win away from their second-ever appearance in a World Cup since the country declared sovereignty in 1993. To achieve that, they need another famous win over four-time world champions Germany.
Due to their superior goal difference, Germany do not even need to win this clash to secure the top place in Group A. The National Eleven bounced back from the early defeat with four wins in a row, during which they conceded only one goal.
And while the start of 2025 saw the German national team fail three times on home turf, all their missteps were against teams from FIFA’s Top 10. Slovakia are far from this group, sitting in 46th place in the world according to the latest rankings update.
The Falcons have, however, played a sensational cycle, winning four out of five games, including the first clash with Germany. Slovakia achieved this with impeccable defensive play, winning four times with clean sheets. Beating the Germans away from home will be a whole different challenge given that the hosts haven’t lost to a team outside the Top 10 since 2023 and Slovakia lost four out of their five away games in 2025.
How the bookies view it: Germany to retaliate
Bookmakers definitely do not expect a repeat of the first clash, quite the opposite. The hosts are again significant favorites, and you can currently back them at 1/4. If you expect a draw, you can back it at 5/1. Slovakia’s chances have been priced at 11/1, unlike the first match, when they won as underdogs at 6/1.
Recent head-to-head: Completely even in the last six
Obviously, everyone is familiar with the first-round clash between Slovakia and Germany, as the Falcons made all headlines with their 2-0 win. And while Germany hold the all-time lead in H2Hs with eight wins to four, Slovakia managed to win three of the last six encounters. Moreover, the recent defeat was Germany’s first-ever in World Cup qualifications.
Players to watch: Woltemade scored Germany's last three goals
While Germany should be levels above all their opponents in Group A on paper, goals have not exactly been easy to find for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. One player has pushed them forward, in particular, and that is Newcastle’s new star Nick Woltemade.
The 23-year-old only made his national team debut in 2024 and has only been improving with each appearance. He scored Germany’s last three goals for the 2-0 win over Luxembourg last week and the 1-0 win over Northern Ireland last month.
Probable line-ups
Germany: Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Goretzka, Andrich, Wirtz, Gnabry, Sane, Woltemade
Slovakia: Dubravka, Pekarik, Skriniar, Hancko, Vavro, Duda, Lobotka, Hrosovsky, Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Anything else catch the eye?
The stakes in this clash couldn't be higher, which could lead to more caution and fewer goals. Considering the defensive play of both teams in recent rounds, we certainly do not expect more than two or three goals in this match. And we definitely do not expect Germany to concede a goal.
Slovakia managed to score a goal in only two of their last five away games (friendlies included), while they lost four out of five.
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