This is the big surprise of the European World Cup 2026 European Cup playoffs: Germany, a big favorite in group A, fell when it was entered against Slovakia (2-0), last Thursday in Bratislava. The formation of Julian Nagelsmann obviously monopolized the ball (70% ball possession) but Nick Woltemade failed to score ahead of Martin Dubravka, when Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry disappointed.
Milan Skriniar's Sloviacs did not give their chance. Atlético defender David Hancko opened the scoring (42nd) and David Strelec, the Middlesbrough striker, multiplied the hooks in front of Antonio Rüdiger to mark Oliver Baumann, the porter of Hoffenheim (55th).
The Mannschaft must relaunch on Sunday with the arrival of Northern Ireland of Conor Bradley, in Cologne. Green and White Arm heads the group after its 3-1 success in Luxembourg.
Assured Germany of dams
Last of their pool, the Germans are still expected to finish first in the group by winning their five other meetings. The selection of Nagelsmann will face Luxembourg and the North Irish in Belfast, then the Luxembourgers and, finally, the Slovques in Leipzig.
Like the French team, Germany is guaranteed to participate in the dams of UEFA qualifiers, either as the second in group, is as winner of his Nations League group. During these Playoffs in March 2026, the Mannschaft will also be one of the four heads of series (according to the FIFA ranking) and will receive in the semi-finals.
