Germany emphatically secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, crushing Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifying match. The dominant performance, featuring four goals in the first half, sealed their spot at the top of Group A and sent Slovakia into a playoff. Germany, a four-time World Cup winner, will be competing in their 21st World Cup out of 23 editions. They did not participate in the inaugural 1930 World Cup and were barred from the 1950 edition.
The match in Leipzig was a display of German resilience after a shocking start to the group stage, which included a 2-0 loss to Slovakia in Bratislava in September. However, the Germans responded with five straight wins. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring with a header in the 18th minute, marking his fourth goal in three international matches. Serge Gnabry extended the lead, latching onto a pass from Leon Goretzka. Florian Wirtz then set up Leroy Sané, who curled a shot past Martin Dubravka, and later provided another assist for Sané to score his second goal. In the second half, substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouédraogo, who became the youngest player to score for Germany at 19, added to Slovakia's woes.
"We played a really good game tonight," Woltemade said. "From the first to the last second we did not allow anything at the back and were creative...It is great to play for Germany. We have now qualified for the World Cup". Coach Julian Nagelsmann echoed this sentiment, stating, "Every player gave it all...We played a really great game. We worked very hard. We scored great goals and were convincing with our game...Today there is no reason to complain...There was pressure and they pushed themselves and showed a great team spirit. I am proud of the team".
Meanwhile, the Netherlands also secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Lithuania. The Dutch finished atop Group G, three points ahead of Poland. Cody Gakpo was among the goals as the "Oranje" dominated the match. The Netherlands have now qualified for 12 World Cups. They have finished as runners-up three times, in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Germany and the Netherlands join other European nations such as England, France, Portugal and Croatia who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The remaining spots will be decided soon. Slovakia and Poland will now compete in the playoffs.
