Germany will start 2026 World Cup qualifying with an away match against Slovakia in Bratislava, in Group A with Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Julian Nagelsmann's side seek rebound after Nations League losses to Portugal and France and hold a 12-6-5 record since his September 2023 appointment. Defensive frailties are a concern, with only five clean sheets in 16 internationals and at least two goals conceded in each match this year. Germany remain strong favorites to win the group and have won their last seven qualifiers. Slovakia sit 52nd, are winless in four in 2025, and face multiple injury absences.
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.
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.
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 aft
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