How Germany's national team can qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Germany have FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification in their own hands ahead of their final fixture against Slovakia. Read on for the full permutations...

"A quick answer: no!" That was Jonathan Tah when asked if there were any doubts about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Bayern Munich centre-back added: "Everyone has the responsibility to give everything so that we qualify."

It was a confident case put forward by Tah, as Germany lead Group A on goal-difference with 12 points. The other team in contention are Slovakia, who are level on points with the four-time world champions.

Watch: Germany arrive for crucial international duty

It means qualification is still in Germany's hands after their 2-0 victory over Luxembourg on Friday night. If they avoid defeat against Slovakia (17 November), Nagelsmann's side will book their flight to North America next summer as group winners.

But Slovakia remain in the hunt after their stoppage-time win against Northern Ireland, which keeps them level with Germany. And so, if the teams finish on equal points, the goal difference from all matches will be decisive instead of the head-to-head record between the nations.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is trying to stay clear of the calculations, however, saying: "We're not dependent on other results, only on our own performance. After the poor start, we've created a decent position for ourselves in the group."

If Nagelsmann's side were to end up in second place, however, they could still qualify for the World Cup through the European play-offs where 16 teams will compete for the four remaining spots. The play-offs will consist of 12 group runners-up and four nations based on their results in the UEFA Nations League. 

As group runners-up, Germany would be one of the four seeded teams, which would give them home advatage in the one-off semi-finals. The winners of the four finals will complete the 48-team field at next year's World Cup.