Germany’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign began in disastrous fashion as they slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday.
Atletico Madrid’s David Hancko stunned Julian Nagelsmann’s men with a first-half strike, before Middlesbrough’s new signing David Strelec doubled the lead with a thunderous finish 10 minutes after the break.
The result handed Slovakia a dream start in Group A as they target their first World Cup appearance since 2010, while Germany, still reeling from back-to-back Nations League losses to Portugal and France, are immediately under pressure.
Germany must now recover quickly when they host Northern Ireland on Tuesday, with Luxembourg also competing in the four-team group. Only the winners will secure direct qualification for the 48-team finals in North America.
Elsewhere in Group A, Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg 3-1. Goals from Jamie Reid, Shea Charles, and Justin Devenny sealed the victory, while Aiman Dardari’s equalizer gave the hosts brief hope before Seid Korac’s red card ended their resistance.
Meanwhile, in Group E, European champions Spain cruised past Bulgaria with a 3-0 victory in Sofia. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring inside five minutes, Marc Cucurella added a superb second, and Lamine Yamal set up Mikel Merino for the third before halftime.
Spain, who lost the Nations League final to Portugal in June, sent a strong signal of intent as they bid to reach next year’s finals.
Netherlands Held, Belgium Win
Spain’s next game is away to Turkey, who staved off a Georgia comeback to win 3-2 in Tbilisi.
Mert Muldur’s early opener was followed by two goals either side of half-time by Kerem Akturkoglu, and Turkey appeared to be cruising.
However, Zuriko Davitashvili pulled one back and the visitors had Baris Alper Yilmaz sent off.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then made it 3-2 deep in stoppage time, but Turkey held on for the victory.
The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Rotterdam in Group G despite taking the lead in the first half through Denzel Dumfries.
Matty Cash equalised with a ferocious late strike to deny Ronald Koeman’s team, but the Dutch still the top the group on seven points — they lead Poland and Finland on goal difference, and also boast a game in hand.
Lithuania scored a penalty deep in injury time to draw 1-1 with Malta in the same group.
Belgium walloped minnows Liechtenstein 6-0 away in Group J, with Maxim De Cuyper opening the scoring.
Youri Tielemans netted twice including a penalty, while Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne and Malick Fofana also struck.
That result leaves Belgium three points behind group leaders Wales with two games in hand. Craig Bellamy’s side won 1-0 in Kazakhstan earlier thanks to a Kieffer Moore goal.
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