BETTING GUIDE: Germany Vs Slovakia, match preview, team news and prediction
Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 16.11.25. | 10:01
Germany sit top of the group on 12 points courtesy of a superior goal difference, but Slovakia trail only narrowly and could leapfrog Die Mannschaft with a victory
Germany and Slovakia will battle for control of Group A on Monday evening in Leipzig, with both sides already assured of a top-two finish but still locked in a tense shootout for outright qualification.
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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing nearer, the stakes remain immense.
Germany sit top of the group on 12 points courtesy of a superior goal difference, but Slovakia trail only narrowly and could leapfrog Die Mannschaft with a victory.
For Julian Nagelsmann, a point is enough to punch Germany’s ticket as group winners, but defeat would force them into the uncertainty of the playoff route.
Slovakia, meanwhile, can still dream of topping the group outright, although failure to win would consign them to the playoffs.
Germany come into this decisive fixture fresh from a confidence-building 2-0 win over Luxembourg, a match defined by the sharp finishing of Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade, who struck twice.
After a shaky start to the campaign - highlighted by their surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the group opener - Germany have since put together four consecutive qualifying victories. Wins over Northern Ireland (home and away) and Luxembourg (home and away) have allowed them to reclaim control of the group.
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Despite this impressive recovery, Germany’s last two World Cup cycles ended with painful group-stage exits, and while qualification seems within reach, the pressure to re-establish their dominance on the global stage remains palpable.
Nagelsmann’s side have displayed a mixture of progress and inconsistency in 2025.
While they have won four straight WCQ matches, their overall home form this calendar year remains mixed (W2, D1, L2).
However, those home struggles came exclusively against top-ranked global opponents, suggesting that Slovakia - ranked outside FIFA’s top ten - face a far more daunting task in Leipzig.
Germany’s defensive shape has tightened, their pressing coordination is improving, and young attacking talents such as Florian Wirtz and Woltemade have added vibrancy to their offensive phase.
Yet injuries continue to cloud the camp, with Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, Kai Havertz and Marc-André ter Stegen all unavailable.
Slovakia arrive in Leipzig fully aware that only a win keeps their automatic qualification hopes alive. Francesco Calzona’s men have been resilient throughout the campaign, collecting 12 points from five matches (W4, L1), including a historic 2-0 home victory over Germany in September.
That result stands as Germany’s only-ever WCQ defeat against Slovakia - evidence that The Falcons have grown fearless in high-stakes encounters.
They remain a disciplined and well-structured outfit, thriving more in collective effort than individual brilliance.
Their most recent performance - a gritty 1-0 win over Northern Ireland - once again highlighted their defensive strength and opportunism in tight matches.
Tomas Bobček scored late on his debut, extending Slovakia’s trend of decisive goals arriving in the final minutes. However, their away form has been far less encouraging.
Slovakia have lost five of their last six competitive away matches, with their only win during that period coming against Luxembourg earlier in these qualifiers.
Their challenge in Leipzig becomes even steeper considering they have failed to score before the 30th minute in any of their last ten internationals, often starting matches conservatively and only growing into the contest after halftime.
Historically, Germany hold the upper hand in this matchup with eight wins from twelve meetings, though recent form suggests a narrowing gap. Each of the last six head-to-head encounters has been evenly split (three wins apiece), showcasing Slovakia’s gradual rise and competitive edge.
Furthermore, Germany’s attack tends to fire early - six of their last seven goals were scored before the hour mark - while Slovakia’s trend of slow starts could be pivotal in shaping the match’s rhythm.
Team selection will also influence dynamics.
Germany expect the returns of Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck after minor fitness issues, adding stability to both midfield and defence.
Woltemade should again lead the line after scoring Germany’s last three WCQ goals, while Wirtz offers creativity and movement between the lines.
Slovakia’s lineup remains well-settled: Martin Dúbravka in goal, Milan Skriniar marshalling the defence, David Hancko anchoring the left flank, and David Strelec leading the attack. Bobček could once again be an impact substitute.
With both sides aware of what is at stake, this fixture promises tension, control, and fine margins rather than a high-scoring contest.
Germany carry the superior firepower, home advantage, and recent form, while Slovakia will rely on tactical compactness and transitional moments.
However, their poor away record and attacking inhibition - coupled with Germany’s strong defensive run, in which only one of their last six games saw both teams score - suggest an uphill climb for the visitors.
Key Pointers
Germany have won four straight WCQ matches and need only a draw to win the group.
Slovakia must win to finish top but have lost five of their last six competitive away games.
Only one of Slovakia’s last ten internationals saw both teams score.
Six of Germany’s last seven WCQ goals were scored before the 60th minute.
Germany’s home losses in 2025 came only against top-ten FIFA teams.
Slovakia have failed to score before the half-hour mark in ten straight matches.
Germany should edge a tight, tactical, low-scoring affair on home soil, securing automatic qualification.
Prediction; Germany to Win/Both Teams to Score - Yes
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