Overview

• David Hancko struck just before half-time in Bratislava and David Strelec added a second soon after the restart to seal Slovakia's win.
• Germany’s rare qualifying defeat puts them under immediate pressure in Group A, where only the winner qualifies directly and Northern Ireland lead after a 3-1 victory in Luxembourg.
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann questioned picking on talent over commitment and said Germany must win their remaining five group games to avoid the playoff route.
• The German FA announced a March 2026 friendly with Ivory Coast contingent on direct qualification, a date that would clash with playoff fixtures if Germany finish second.
• Elsewhere in the opening round, Spain won 3-0 in Bulgaria and Belgium routed Liechtenstein 6-0, underlining mostly routine starts for other favorites.