Germany reach FIFA World Cup 2026 after Slovakia rout

Teenager Assan Ouédraogo scored on his senior international debut as Germany booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals with a crushing 6-0 win over Slovakia in their final Group A qualifying fixture.

Germany 6-0 Slovakia
Goals: 1-0 Woltemade 18' (assist: Kimmich), 2-0 Gnabry 29' (assist: Goretzka), 3-0 Sané 36' (assist: Wirtz), 4-0 Sané 41' (assist: Wirtz), 5-0 Baku 67' (assist: Gnabry), 6-0 Ouédraogo 79' (assist: Sané)

Needing a point to stay on pole and qualify automatically for next year's tournament, Germany had the contest effectively sewn up inside 45 minutes. 

Nick Woltemade added to his brace in Luxembourg with a towering header from returning captain Joshua Kimmich's cross, before Serge Gnabry got in on the act to cap a flowing move involving Bayern Munich teammates Aleksandar Pavlović and Leon Goretzka.

Former Bayern winger Leroy Sané added a third when he latched onto Florian Wirtz's cute pass and finished with aplomb, before Gnabry passed up a glorious close-range opening to make it four.

Sané did just that soon after, though, applying the finishing touch to Wirtz's back-post pass to complete a gala first-half performance by Julian Nagelsmann's side.

Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry (r.) scored his 25th Germany goal. - Maja Hitij

Slovakia had stunned Germany to win the reverse fixture 2-0 on Matchday 1, but offered little by way of a comeback attempt in the second half.

Instead, the four-time world champions completely controlled proceedings, eventually adding to their tally with 67 minutes gone. Gnabry supplied the assist as RB Leipzig's Ridle Baku slammed in on his home ground, less than three minutes after replacing Kimmich at right-back.

Martin Dúbravka prevented Goretzka from finding the bottom corner, but there was still time for one more as Sané fed 19-year-old substitute Ouédraogo - also of Leipzig - for a debut goal in a Germany shirt.

Germany will be one of the seeded teams for the World Cup 2026 final draw on 5 December, while Slovakia go into the 16-nation European play-offs.

Match stats

• Germany have qualified for every World Cup they have entered (21 in total).
• Ouédraogo only made his Germany U21s debut in September.
• Gnabry is the highest-scoring Germany international in the current squad (25 goals in 57 appearances).
• Woltemade (Newcastle United) has four goals and one assist in eight appearances for Germany.
• Kimmich won his 106th Germany cap - more than any player in the current squad.
• Nagelsmann is averaging 1.96 points per game, measured over 29 matches as Germany head coach.

Teams

Germany: Baumann - Kimmich (c) (Baku 64'), Tah, Schlotterbeck (Thiaw 64'), Raum (Brown 72') - Goretzka, Pavlović (Nmecha 46') - Gnabry, Wirtz (Ouédraogo 77'), Sané - Woltemade
Unused subs: Nübel, Dahmen, Anton, Leweling, Burkardt, Adeyemi, Schade
Out: Amiri (adductors), El Mala (U21s), Füllkrug (calf), Havertz (knee), Musiala (ankle), Rüdiger (hamstring)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Slovakia: Dúbravka - Gyömbér (Schranz 46'), Škriniar (c), Obert, Hancko - Bero, Lobotka, Duda (Šatka 46') - Sauer, Strelec (Bobček 67'), Ďuriš (Pekarík 82')
Unused subs: Rodák, Takáč, Vavro, Boženík, Bénes, Hrošovský, Haraslín, Rigo 
Out: Kaprálik, M. Sauer
Coach: Francesco Calzona

As it happened!

6 - 0

(4 - 0)

Germany

FINAL

Slovakia

FIFA World Cup
Qualifying, Group A Qualifying, Group A Red Bull Arena, Leipzig

Full-time: Germany 6-0 Slovakia

Germany book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in style, hitting a tough Slovakia side for six. The hosts were pretty much flawless, not dropping their incredible standards for 90 minutes. The game ended with teenager Assan Ouédraogo nabbing a debut goal too, putting the silver lining on a fantastic evening for Julian Nagelsmann's men.

© Alex Grimm

Full-time

89'

On the verge

With only a minute left of normal time, Germany can begin to reflect on an outstanding performance.

84'

Almost seven!

Nmecha shoots first time from outside the area, looking to bend it in the top corner, but his effort goes narrowly wide.

82'

Substitution

Peter Pekarik

Dávid Ďuriš

What an introduction! 6-0!

Almost with his first touch since coming on the teenager has his first senior international goal, incredible! After neat combination play, Sané nudges the ball to him around ten yards out from goal. He shifts it away from the defender before burying it in the bottom corner.

© Stuart Franklin

78'

Assan Ouédraogo

GOAL!

6:0

76'

Ouédraogo makes his debut

The RB Leipzig youngster comes on for his senior debut in his home stadium, replacing the tireless Wirtz.

76'

Substitution

Assan Ouédraogo

Florian Wirtz

74'

Goretzka almost gets on the scoresheet!

He shoots low and hard toward the far corner from the edge of the box, but the 'keeper gets down well to save.

72'

Cruise control

With the win surely in the bag, the Germany side look incredibly relaxed, with youngsters Malick Thiaw and Nathaniel Brown also getting the opportunity to make an appearance.

72'

Substitution

Nathaniel Brown

David Raum

70'

Yellow card

Malick Thiaw

67'

Substitution

Tomas Bobček

David Strelec

There it is, number five!

Woltemade wiggles past a couple of blue shirts on the edge of the area before poking it to Gnabry on his right; Gnabry then passes it on to the incoming Baku, who fires low and hard past Dúbravka.

© RONNY HARTMANN

66'

Ridle Baku

GOAL!

5:0

64'

Substitution

Ridle Baku

Joshua Kimmich

64'

Substitution

Malick Thiaw

Nico Schlotterbeck

Number five on the cards?

With Germany appearing to have taken the sting out of the game, will we still see more goals, or will it stay at four?

© IMAGO/Michael Taeger

55'

Still in control

Although perhaps with less urgency on the ball, Germany are still looking very comfortable, with Slovakia struggling to get out of their half.

49'

Wall stands firm

The ball is laid off to Sané, whose effort is blocked by the onrushing blue shirts.

48'

Early pressure pays off

Goretzka and Woltemade apply pressure on Lobotka, who has no choice but to pass back to the 'keeper. Dúbravka then picks the ball up by mistake as Woltemade continues to press, giving Germany an indirect free-kick a matter of yards out from goal

46'

Substitution

Ivan Schranz

Norbert Gyömbér

46'

Substitution

Lubomir Satka

Ondrej Duda

46'

Substitution

Felix Nmecha

Aleksandar Pavlovic

46'

We're back!

The action is back underway here in Leipzig.

Kick-off!

Half-time

Half-time: Germany 4-0 Slovakia

Germany go into the break four goals to the good after a dazzling first-half. They've cut through the opposition defence with ease, whilst also pressing aggressively when out of possession. Slovakia look as if they've been caught in a storm, and have consequently done little to threaten the hosts at the other end.

© IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

45'

Two added minutes

Germany will have a couple more minutes to find a fifth!

It's four!

And Sané gets his brace! Woltemade wins the ball not far from the Slovakia box and feeds Wirtz, who crosses to Sané at the far post to knock it home from close range.

© RONNY HARTMANN

41'

Leroy Sané

GOAL!

4:0

40'

Golden chance!

Raum finds Gnabry on the edge of the six yard box with a cross, but he gets his wires crossed and fails to make firm contact with the ball, which the 'keeper gathers.

3-0! Germany are cruising

An incisive through ball from Wirtz finds the run of Sané in behind the Slovakia backline. He takes a touch before finding the far bottom corner with his left foot.

© ODD ANDERSEN

36'

Leroy Sané

GOAL!

3:0

34'

Visitors testing the German nerves

An in-swinging corner is flicked on at the near post and flashes past the face of the goal, providing a reminder how quickly the game could turn in the other direction.

Germany double their lead!

Pavlovic finds Goretzka in between the lines, who then slides it through to the onrushing Gnabry, and the Bayern forward slots it past the 'keeper first time.

© Maja Hitij

29'

Serge Gnabry

GOAL!

2:0

25'

Gnabry goes close!

Woltemade finds the run of Gnabry with a chipped ball over the defence, putting him one-on-one with the 'keeper, who stands firm and diverts his effort out for a corner.

24'

Substitution

Tomas Rigo

Matus Bero

20'

Slovakia test Baumann

The visitors look to offer an immediate response, with a shot being blocked from the edge of the box. The ball rebounds to a blue shirt, which is almost poked into the bottom corner by Ďuriš.

Woltemade heads home, 1-0!

Slovakia clear a German corner, but the hosts come again through Kimmich on the right flank, who finds the head of Woltemade with a pinpoint cross which he powers home from close range.

© Alex Grimm

18'

Nick Woltemade

GOAL!

1:0

On the offensive

Germany have dominated the opening exchanges.

© RONNY HARTMANN

14'

Getting closer

Pavlovic finds Sané with a defence splitting pass, but the following cut-back doesn't find anyone. The ball is recycled and finds Wirtz at the far post, but he can only fire his shot over the bar.

10'

Sané the protagonist

Germany have looked dangerous on that right side, with the former Bayern winger causing Slovakia real problems early on.

6'

Aggressive start

The hosts have been moving the ball with purpose and are winning it back quickly whenever they lose it.

4'

Just too high

An in-swinging cross from the left by Wirtz finds the head of Sané in a great position, but he can only get the top of his head to the ball, meaning the 'keeper can collect his effort with ease.

1'

So it begins!

The visitors get the action underway.

Kick-off!

Fully focused

Both teams are being put through their paces as the first whistle draws closer.

© IMAGO/Michael Taeger

The preparations begin

The sides are out and beginning to warm up as kick-off approaches.

© IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

One more win?

Germany have won eight of their 12 total meetings with Slovakia, meaning they can go into tonight's fixture with a level of confidence despite their loss in Bratislava. Another win today would confirm their place at the World Cup finals next summer, an outcome that Slovakia are looking to secure for themselves.

More on those teams

Both sides make two changes each from their recent wins. For Germany, Kimmich comes in at right-back for Baku, while Schlotterbeck replaces teammate Anton at the heart of defence. For Slovakia, Haraslín and Rigo drop to the bench as Sauer and Duda come back into the side.

© IMAGO/Picture Point / Roger Petzsche

Germany starting line-up

Baumann - Kimmich (c), Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum - Goretzka, Pavlovic - Sané, Gnabry, Wirtz - Woltemade

Germany subs

Nübel, Dahmen, Anton, Thiaw, Leweling, Ouédraogo, Burkardt, Nmecha, Adeyemi, Schade, Brown, Baku

Slovakia starting line-up

Dúbravka - Gyömbér, Škriniar (c), Obert, Hancko - Bero, Lobotka, Duda - Sauer, Strelec, Ďuriš

Slovakia subs

Rodák, Takáč, Pekarík, Vavro, Šatka, Boženík, Bénes, Bobček, Hrošovský, Haraslín, Schranz, Rigo

Focused on the task ahead

Germany players looked relaxed during their final training session before the game against Slovakia, where they can clinch World Cup qualification. Nagelsmann said: "You’re always nervous before a game like this, that’s part of the appeal. The situation is what it is, but we can approach it in a positive way."

© IMAGO/pepphoto / Horst Mauelshagen

Injury issues easing

Nico Schlotterbeck trained with the squad on Sunday after missing the Luxembourg match due to injury, and is set to play, while a decision is due to be made on Joshua Kimmich's availability on Monday. Nagelsmann said: "Everyone who knows Jo knows he always wants to play. It doesn't matter if he doesn't train before the match."

© IMAGO/pepphoto / Horst Mauelshagen

Valuable experience

Teenage sensation Assan Ouédraogo was called up to the squad to replace the injured Nadiem Amiri. The Leipzig midfielder was an unused substitute against Luxembourg, but being around the senior squad for a World Cup qualifier will certainly be valuable experience for the 19-year-old.

© RONNY HARTMANN

Full stadium

The DFB (German FA) confirm that tickets for Germany vs Slovakia have sold out. We can expect 40,000 fans at the Red Bull Arena.

© IMAGO/motivio

So long, Said

Germany confirmed on Saturday that Said El Mala will not be in the squad for the Slovakia match, with the teenager instead linking up with the U21 squad for a qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday. Julian Nagelsmann said the Cologne sensation had left a "good impression" in training with the full Germany squad.

© IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Leroy Sané on his return

"I’m very happy to be back with the team and to be playing. It’s always a fun time and it’s an honour to represent your country. We have a lot that we want to achieve. I’m happy to have gotten an assist and that I’ve been able to somewhat pay back the trust the coach has shown in me."

© IMAGO/Marc Schueler

Jonathan Tah on captaining Germany

"Wearing the captain’s armband means a lot to me. I’m proud that I was able to experience this."

© IMAGO/Malte Ossowski / SVEN SIMON

In-form Nick Woltemade

The former Stuttgart forward has been the difference-maker for Germany, scoring his nation's last three goals. He opened his international account against Northern Ireland in October, before scoring a second-half brace against Luxembourg.

© Alexander Hassenstein

Injury worries for Germany

Both captain Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck picked up injuries ahead of their recent win against Luxembourg, meaning they were unable to take part. It remains to be seen whether or not they'll be available for the Slovakia tie.

© IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Wunderl

Inside view

Wolfsburg's Denis Vavro and Bochum's Matus Bero were both part of the Slovakia squad that beat Northern Ireland on Friday, as was veteran defender Peter Pekarik (39, pictured), who is still playing for Hertha Berlin's reserve side in Germany's fourth tier, and has 243 Bundesliga appearances to his name.

© IMAGO/MICHAL FAJT,ZOSPORTU.SK

Last time they met

Slovakia beat Germany 2-0 in what was a dominant performance in front of a home crowd in Bratislava. David Hancko and David Strelec got the goals for the hosts, who terrorised Germany's backline that night, with Leo Sauer being particularly impressive for them. Germany will be simultaneously be looking for revenge and their World Cup ticket on Monday night, setting up an exciting clash.

© IMAGO/Marc Schueler

As things stand

Both sides currently having 12 points but Germany sit at the top of the table due to having better goal difference. Germany need either a win or draw to seal automatic qualification for the World Cup, but Slovakia will be determined to try and win the group themselves.

Slovakia edge Northern Ireland

The visitors also come into his game on the back on a win, having beaten Northern Ireland 1-0 thanks to a Tomas Bobcek goal in the dying minutes of the game. That was their second consecutive win having also beaten Luxembourg 2-0 last time out, putting them level on points with Germany at the top of Group A.

© IMAGO/©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter

Germany sneak past Luxembourg

Germany made it four wins on the bounce with their recent 2-0 victory over Luxembourg, although Julian Nagelsmann will still hope for an improved performance against Slovakia. Despite the win, which came as a result of a Nick Woltemade brace, Luxembourg were the better side for large spells and were unlucky to not get on the scoresheet.

© IMAGO/kolbert-press/Martin Agüera

Welcome!

A very warm welcome to bundesliga.com's live coverage of Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Slovakia on Monday night (kick-off: 8.45pm CET).