Germany hammer Slovakia to seal automatic World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Germany booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 6-0 victory over Slovakia in Leipzig. The hosts produced their most complete performance of the qualifying campaign and ensured they topped Group A without needing to rely on the final matchday permutations.

Julian Nagelsmann’s team entered the game knowing a draw would be enough to seal automatic qualification, yet they approached the occasion with the urgency and precision of a side determined to remove all doubt.

The hosts established control from the outset, moving the ball with confidence and forcing Slovakia deep into their defensive shape. Florian Wirtz set the tone with his influence in midfield, dictating the tempo and finding pockets of space that consistently unsettled the visitors.

Germany’s early pressure eventually told after 19 minutes when Joshua Kimmich regained possession following a cleared corner and delivered an excellent cross that Nick Woltemade headed firmly into the net.

It was the Newcastle striker’s third goal in two matches and a fitting reward for Germany’s purposeful start.

Slovakia briefly threatened an equaliser when Michal Duris tested Oliver Baumann from close range, but Germany reacted immediately by restoring control and increasing the pace of their attacking play.

Serge Gnabry missed a good chance to double the advantage after being played through by Woltemade, although he quickly made amends when a sharp passing sequence sent him running directly at Martin Dubravka before dispatching a composed finish.

Germany’s superiority became overwhelming as the half progressed. Leroy Sane added the third after collecting a superb long pass from Wirtz and guiding his finish into the corner. The pair combined again just before the interval when Wirtz curled another pinpoint delivery that Sane converted at the back post to give the hosts a four-goal lead at half-time.

The second half unfolded at a slower tempo, yet Germany still found openings against a tiring Slovakian defence.

Substitute Ridle Baku struck the fifth with a precise low finish after drifting into space inside the box, and the evening concluded with a moment to remember for 17-year-old Assan Ouedraogo, who marked his senior debut with a calm strike into the bottom corner only minutes after coming on.

Slovakia, who struggled with Germany’s aggressive press and high defensive line throughout, now drop into the play-offs in search of an alternative route to the tournament.

Germany, meanwhile, closed out the night with a fourth successive clean sheet and a performance that restored confidence at the end of an uneven qualifying campaign.