Since Slovakia gained FIFA membership in 1994, Germany have won four of their six encounters, both defeats coming in friendlies. The two nations last met at Euro 2016, with die Mannschaft cruising through a round of 16 tie 3-0 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Slovakia vs Germany preview
Germany have featured at every edition of the World Cup since 1950, winning the competition on four occasions, both the best record of any European nation, and their quest to be in North America next summer commences here. After being dumped out of the Euros on home soil by Spain, Julian Nagelsmann's team had enjoyed an eight match unbeaten streak. This saw die Mannschaft top their Nations League group, before ousting Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the competition's quarter-finals.
However, back in June, Germany were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in the semi-finals in Munich, before also losing the third place play-off to France in Stuttgart, which nobody really cares about. So now, Nagelsmann's attention turns to World Cup qualifying, with die Nationalelf firm favourites to top Group A, with Northern Ireland and Luxembourg completing the section's quartet. So, will the four-times champions of the world collect three points at Národný futbalový štadión on Thursday?
As for Slovakia, having featured at each of the last three European Championships, they are dreaming of just a second World Cup appearance, debuting as an independent nation at South Africa 2010. However, more recently, the Falcons are not in great form. Back in March, Francesco Calzona's side failed to gain promotion from Nations League C for the second time, on this occasion defeated 1-0 in Ljubljana after extra time of a two-legged play-off against Slovenia.
This means, overall, Slovakia have only won fixtures against Estonia and Azerbaijan since June 2024, a period of 13 matches. Thus, despite being the second seeds, they could well be in danger of not securing a top two finish in Group A. Sunday's visit to the Stade de Luxembourg will be informative but, before then, anything the Falcons claim from this clash in Bratislava will be a massive bonus.
Slovakia vs Germany head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 11.
- Slovakia Wins: 3. Draws: Zero. Germany Wins: 8.
Slovakia team news
Defenders Denis Vavro and Dominik Javorček are both sidelined, while Burnley's Martin Dúbravka is set to get the nod over former Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodák between the posts.
Meantime, Milan Škriniar will captain the side, winning his 82nd cap, with Ivan Schranz and Lukáš Haraslín chosen out wide, alongside Róbert Boženík, leading the attack.
Slovakia predicted lineup vs Germany: (4-3-3): Dúbravka; Gyömbér, Škriniar, Mesík, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Schranz, Boženík, Haraslín.
Slovakia player to watch vs Germany
Ondrej Duda is the top scorer in the squad with 15 international goal, most-recently netting against Azerbaijan in Košice in June 2024. He has previously played for German clubs Hertha BSC and Köln, so can he net against Germany in Bratislava?
Germany team news
Julian Nagelsmann is without Marc-André ter Stegen due to injury so, with Manuel Neuer having retired from international duty, Oliver Baumann will win just his fifth cap in goal.
Meantime, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are amongst those also sidelined, while Nagelsmann has switched between a back three and four during his tenure, so it's tough to know what he'll go for.
Either way, he likes to have a target man centre-forward, so will Newcastle's new recruit Nick Woltemade get the nod over Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham? The former was the top-scorer at this summer's under-21 European Championships with six goals, while the latter has bagged 14 goals in 24 senior caps, averaging a goal every 72 minutes in a die Mannschaft shirt.
Germany predicted lineup vs Slovakia: (3-4-2-1): Baumann; Tah, Rüdiger, Anton; Kimmich, Goretzka, Groß, Mittelstädt; Gnabry, Wirtz, Woltemade.
Germany player to watch vs Slovakia
Florian Wirtz scored his seventh international goal against Portugal during the Nations League semi-final defeat, so will Liverpool's new superstar showcase his talent at Tehelné pole?
Slovakia vs Germany prediction
We are backing Germany for a very comfortable victory. The visitors boast a very strong side, while the same cannot be said of Slovakia, so we can only see one outcome: Slovakia 0-3 Germany.
Slovakia vs Germany FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Slovakia vs Germany in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Slovakia vs Germany in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Soccer Plus & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Slovakia vs Germany in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Slovakia vs Germany in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Slovakia vs Germany in World Cup qualification?
Slovakia vs Germany takes place on Thursday 4 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).