Germany Begins 2026 World Cup Qualifiers vs Slovakia in Bratislava

Germany will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying campaign with an away match against Slovakia at Tehelne pole, Bratislava. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, Germany is favored to top Group A, which also includes Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, and aims to secure direct qualification to the World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Slovakia, ranked 52nd globally and coached by Francesco Calzona, seeks a return to the World Cup stage after qualifying only once as an independent nation in 2010. Germany's starting lineup features several changes from their Nations League squad, including debutant Nnamdi Collins and a midfield reshuffle with Kimmich in a double pivot. The match will be broadcast in India on Sony Sports Ten and streamed on Sony LIV, in Germany on Das Erste, and in Slovakia on the Sport platform, while in the U.S. it will be available via streaming on Fubo and Fox Soccer Plus. Both teams have recent history, with Germany having defeated Slovakia 3-0 in the UEFA Euro 2016 Round of 16, and Slovakia aiming for an upset to start their qualifying campaign positively.