Germany suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in Slovakia to open their World Cup qualifying campaign, while Spain eased past Bulgaria with a commanding 3-0 win on Thursday night.
In Bratislava, David Hancko broke the deadlock for Slovakia just before the break, bursting into the box unmarked to slot past the German goalkeeper. David Strelec, recently signed by Middlesbrough, added a second with a stunning strike into the top corner 10 minutes after half-time.
The result gives Slovakia a dream start in Group A as they aim to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. For Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany, who came into the match off back-to-back defeats in the UEFA Nations League Final Four against Portugal and France, the loss puts them under immediate pressure.
Germany now faces Northern Ireland on Tuesday before playing Luxembourg in a compact four-team group. Only the group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 finals in North America.
Northern Ireland made a winning start, defeating Luxembourg 3-1 away. Jamie Reid, Shea Charles, and Justin Devenny scored the goals after the home side had drawn level through Aiman Dardari before Seid Korac’s red card swung the momentum.
In Group E, European champions Spain made light work of Bulgaria in Sofia. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring early with a composed finish from a Martin Zubimendi pass, before Marc Cucurella doubled the lead with a powerful drive on the half-hour mark. Lamine Yamal then teed up Mikel Merino for Spain’s third on 38 minutes.
Spain’s next opponents, Turkey, survived a late scare to beat Georgia 3-2 in Tbilisi. Mert Muldur scored early before two goals from Kerem Akturkoglu looked to have settled the game. Georgia pulled one back through Zuriko Davitashvili, and after Baris Alper Yilmaz was sent off, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck in stoppage time to set up a nervy finish. Turkey, however, held on for three points.
The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Rotterdam in Group G. Denzel Dumfries gave the Dutch a first-half lead, but Matty Cash’s thunderous equaliser late on denied Ronald Koeman’s side all three points. Despite the setback, the Netherlands remain top of the group on goal difference from Poland and Finland, with a game in hand.
In the same group, Lithuania salvaged a 1-1 draw against Malta thanks to a stoppage-time penalty.
Belgium enjoyed a 6-0 rout of Liechtenstein in Group J. Maxim De Cuyper scored first, with Youri Tielemans adding a brace, including a penalty. Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne, and Malick Fofana also found the net.
The win puts Belgium within three points of group leaders Wales, who beat Kazakhstan 1-0 in Astana courtesy of a Kieffer Moore strike. Craig Bellamy’s side, however, has played two games more.
