Match preview for Slovakia v Germany
Germany will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualification journey with a trip to Bratislava, where they will face Slovakia at Tehelne Pole on Thursday evening.
Both teams are in Group A, alongside Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
Germany, under the management of Julian Nagelsmann, are looking to rebound from a disappointing Nations League campaign on home soil in June, which saw them lose to Portugal and France.
Since Nagelsmann took over in September 2023, the team has a record of 12 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses in 23 matches.
A key focus for the manager will be improving the team’s defence, as they have kept only five clean sheets in their last 16 international matches and have conceded at least two goals in all four of their games this year.
Despite their recent struggles, Germany are considered strong favorites to win Group A and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. They also have a good record in World Cup qualifiers, having won their last seven.
Slovakia, led by head coach Francesco Calzona, are aiming to turn their fortunes around after a four-game winless streak in 2025.
They missed out on promotion in the Nations League play-offs and have since lost two friendly matches. Ranked 52nd in the world, the Falcons will be considered underdogs against Germany, but they have pulled off upsets in the past, including two wins in their last five meetings with Germany, albeit in friendlies.
Team news for Slovakia v Germany
Slovakia will be without Lukas Haraslin, who has a groin injury, and Denis Vavro, who is recovering from adductor surgery. Other players sidelined by injury include Samuel Kozlovsky and Dominik Javorcek. Ivan Schranz and Laszlo Benes are also doubts with stomach problems.
Germany have a number of key players missing due to injury, including Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Nnamdi Collins and Paul Nebel are both in line to make their senior debuts after receiving their first call-ups. Antonio Rudiger returns to the squad and could start in defense.
Expected line-ups for Slovakia v Germany
Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Skriniar, Gyomber, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Schranz, Bozenik, Duris
Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Adeyemi, Wirtz, Gnabry; Woltemade
How to watch Slovakia v Germany: TV channel, online stream
The match will kick-off at 7:45pm on Thursday evening and is available to watch in the UK on Amazon Prime.
The stats for Slovakia v Germany
- In their last five meetings, Germany has won three, while Slovakia has won two
- Their most recent clash was a 3-0 victory for Germany at the 2016 European Championship
- The Falcons are currently on a four-game winless streak in 2025.
- Germany has a slightly better record, with two wins, two losses, and two draws in their last six matches
- Germany has struggled defensively, conceding at least two goals in each of their four matches in 2025
Prediction
Given the recent defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, it’s likely that this match will see goals from both sides.
However, the superior quality and depth of the German squad should be enough to secure a win.
Prediction: Slovakia 1-3 Germany
