Germany suffered a shock setback in their opening World Cup qualifier on Thursday, falling 2-0 to Slovakia in Bratislava.
Atletico Madrid defender David Hancko punished the visitors with a first-half strike before David Strelec, newly signed by Middlesbrough, sealed the win with a thunderous shot into the top corner early in the second half.
The result handed Slovakia a dream start in Group A as they aim for their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Germany, meanwhile, are under immediate pressure, especially after coming into qualifiers on the back of Nations League defeats to Portugal and France in June. Julian Nagelsmann’s men must now regroup quickly ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Northern Ireland, with Luxembourg also in their group. Only the top team advances directly to the expanded 48-team finals in North America.
Northern Ireland boosted their chances with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg, courtesy of goals from Jamie Reid, Shea Charles, and Justin Devenny. Aiman Dardari had earlier equalised for the hosts, but Seid Korac’s red card killed off any hopes of an upset.
In Group E, European champions Spain opened their campaign in style with a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia. Mikel Oyarzabal struck within five minutes, Marc Cucurella doubled the lead with a fine finish, and Mikel Merino wrapped things up before half-time after being teed up by Lamine Yamal. Spain, still stung from their Nations League final defeat to Portugal in June, face Turkey next.
Turkey themselves survived a nervy finish in Tbilisi, edging Georgia 3-2. Goals from Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu had them cruising before Zuriko Davitashvili pulled one back. Baris Alper Yilmaz’s red card shifted momentum, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted late on, but Turkey clung on.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands were frustrated at home in Group G, drawing 1-1 with Poland. Denzel Dumfries gave the Dutch the lead, only for Matty Cash to smash in a late equaliser. Lithuania rescued a 1-1 draw with Malta thanks to a stoppage-time penalty.
In Group J, Belgium demolished Liechtenstein 6-0 away. Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring, with Youri Tielemans bagging a brace, and Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne, and Malick Fofana also on target. Despite the rout, Belgium remain three points adrift of leaders Wales, who won 1-0 in Kazakhstan through Kieffer Moore’s strike.
What You Should Know
Germany’s qualifying campaign got off to a rocky start with a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, putting early pressure on Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Spain began strongly with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria, while Belgium crushed Liechtenstein 6-0 to chase leaders Wales. The qualifiers underline both the unpredictability of the road to the 2026 World Cup and the fierce competition across Europe.
