LEIPZIG, Germany: Germany booked their ticket to next year’s World Cup in style on Monday, overwhelming Slovakia 6-0 in their final Group A qualifier and leaving no doubt about their resurgence under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Needing only a draw to secure top spot, the four-time world champions showed total intent from the first whistle, racing to a four-goal lead before halftime. Leroy Sané struck twice, while Nick Woltemade and Serge Gnabry added one each in a dominant opening period that effectively ended the contest and sent Slovakia into the March playoffs.
Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute with his fourth goal in three games, heading in unmarked to spark a relentless German onslaught. Sané’s sharp finishing and Gnabry’s clinical touch ensured Germany sealed qualification with authority, finishing the group on 15 points—three ahead of Slovakia.
“Every player gave it all,” said Nagelsmann . “We played a really great game… There was pressure and they pushed themselves and showed a great team spirit. I am proud of the team.”
After early World Cup exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany’s commanding performance offered a powerful statement of intent ahead of next year’s tournament.
