World Cup ticket on the line as Germany play host to Slovakia in Leipzig | OneFootball

Group A leaders Germany will set out to confirm their place for next year’s World Cup in Monday’s final qualifying outing against current runners-up Slovakia.

With the sides currently level on points, there is all to play for at the Red Bull Arena, setting the scene for an enthralling affair.

Germany’s quest for a place in the 2026 edition of football’s biggest tournament began on a rocky note after they were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in their opening encounter.

A 3-1 triumph over Northern Ireland in the subsequent outing helped Die Mannschaft get back on track, and that was the first of four straight wins, putting them in pole position to qualify.

Friday’s 2-0 win away at Luxembourg saw Germany win without conceding for the third consecutive game, during which they have scored seven times.

Germany only need a draw from their upcoming outing to complete the job, but were beaten 3-1 in their only previous home encounter against Slovakia nine years ago.

However, they will be confident of emerging victorious on home turf where they have won the last two outings by a combined score of 7-1.

For Slovakia, September’s 2-0 triumph over Germany remains their highlight of the qualifiers.

They have recorded other impressive results to sit second in the group, only behind on goal difference.

Francesco Calzona’s men were made to work for their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland last time out as Tomas Bobcek struck in the 91st minute to secure all three points.

That win opened up a six-point gap over Northern Ireland in third place, guaranteeing Slovakia a play-off spot.

They will be keen to secure their place in North America with a win on Monday, which would end their wait for a first World Cup appearance since 2010.