Germany 'send message' with Slovakia rout to reach 2026 World Cup
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich stated that his team aimed to "send a message" through their 6-0 victory over Slovakia on Monday in Leipzig, which confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Leroy Sane netted a brace, while Nick Woltemade found the target for the third consecutive match for Germany.
This result positioned Germany at the top of Group A, securing direct entry into next years tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Slovakia ended up second and will face a play-off.
"Everyone was keen to send a message today. We all understood the importance of the stakes," Kimmich remarked to German broadcaster ZDF. "In Germany, we are not accustomed to qualification being a struggle, which is why I am delighted with our performance."
Germany had struggled against lesser teams during this qualifying effort, yet they led 4-0 at the interval and performed vibrantly in Leipzig.
Woltemade extended his impressive form by scoring first after 18 minutes. Serge Gnabry made it two eleven minutes later.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, facing some scrutiny, came alive towards the end of the opening period, assisting two goals for Sane within five minutes.
Ridle Baku and newcomer Assan Ouedraogo netted during the second half.
"We feel relieved. This is a fantastic achievement," Woltemade commented. "I am getting game time, scoring, and hopefully I will feature at the World Cup."
"Tonight demonstrated the talent in our squad. It was enjoyable," the 23-year-old Woltemade continued.
Germany's triumph also ensures the four-time champions receive a favourable seeding, likely sparing them an premature encounter with other top teams.
"Every player contributed strongly today and put in tremendous effort," manager Julian Nagelsmann noted.
"We displayed outstanding unity and drove forward on the field right from the start."
Fifth successive win
The manner of Germany securing their fifth consecutive victory provides a bright conclusion to a reliable yet unremarkable qualification process.
Germany proved effective without often dazzling and required at least a draw on Monday to lead their group and advance directly.
Slovakia had previously beaten Germany 2-0 in the return match, marking their inaugural competitive success against the European powerhouse.
Nagelsmann can take heart from the display amid tension, with various key players sidelined by injury set to return soon, such as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rudiger, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The team eased early nerves as Woltemade headed home to open the scoring with 18 minutes on the clock.
This effort meant the Newcastle forward had netted Germany four goals across their last three outings.
Following a near miss where Slovakia Michal Duris prompted a smart save from Germany keeper Oliver Baumann, Gnabry doubled the advantage on 29 minutes, slotting the ball past the defence to excite the supporters.
Wirtz then delivered two precise assists to Sane, extending Germany lead to four by half-time.
Nagelsmann substituted captain Joshua Kimmich as Germany maintained dominance, and his deputy Baku struck immediately, firing in a pass from Gnabry just two minutes into his stint.
The coach introduced young prospect Ouedraogo with 15 minutes left, and the RB Leipzig player scored, celebrating amid his local crowd.