Germany and Slovakia faced off in a crucial UEFA World Cup Qualifying match on Monday, November 17, 2025, with major implications for both teams' World Cup 2026 aspirations. The game, broadcast on Fox Sports 2 (FS2) in the United States, was a straight shootout for automatic World Cup qualification from Group A.
Going into the match, both Germany and Slovakia were level on 12 points. Germany led the group on goal difference, meaning a draw would be enough to secure their place at the World Cup, while Slovakia realistically needed a win to avoid the uncertainty of the play-offs.
Germany, managed by Julian Nagelsmann, had responded well after an opening game 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, stringing together four straight victories. Slovakia, coached by Francesco Calzona, were looking to repeat their earlier victory over the Germans and reach their first World Cup since 2010.
The match kicked off at 2:45 p.m. ET at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. For viewers in the United States, the game was available on FS2 and the Fox Sports App. Several streaming services also carried FS2, including Fox One, Sling, Fubo, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Germany came into the game following an unconvincing 2-0 victory against Luxembourg. Meanwhile, Slovakia secured a narrow 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in their previous match.
The stakes were high, with Germany aiming to maintain their record of never having missed a World Cup qualification. Slovakia, on the other hand, were eager to avoid a fourth consecutive failure to qualify for the tournament.
Starting lineups were as follows:
- Germany XI: Baumann, Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Goretzka, Pavlovic, Sane, Wirtz, Gnabry, Woltemade
- Slovakia XI: Dúbravka, Gyömber, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko, Lobotka, Duda, Bero, Duris, Strelec, Sauer
The match was tense and competitive, with both teams creating chances. In the 42nd minute, Hancko scored for Slovakia, assisted by Strelec. Germany substituted Raum in for Collins in the 45th minute. Neither team was able to find the net for the remainder of the match, securing Slovakia's win.
With the victory, Slovakia secured their place at the World Cup 2026, while Germany will have to compete in the play-offs.
