Lineup confirmed Germany x Slovakia live in the European Qualifiers for a place in the 2026 World Cup
Germany and Slovakia enter the field this Monday, November 17, 2025, for the leadership of Group A in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The duel is scheduled for 8:45 pm local time (4:45 pm Brasília time), at the Red Bull Arena, in Leipzig. The two teams arrive with 12 points and are fighting for a direct place in the World Cup.
Germany, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, is playing for a draw to qualify directly, thanks to the advantage in goal difference. Slovakia, under the command of Francesco Calzona, needs victory to avoid the play-offs in March 2026.
French referee François Letexier referees the game, broadcast on SporTV and Prime Video in Brazil.
Starting lineups released
Germany adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Oliver Baumann defends the goal, with Joshua Kimmich on the right flank as captain.
Slovakia opts for 3-4-3, focusing on quick counterattacks. Martin Dúbravka, Newcastle goalkeeper, is the main reference in the sector.
These choices reflect adjustments tfollowing each team’s recent wins.
German roster highlights
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz takes on the role of central playmaker in Germany. At 22 years old, he registered two goals and three assists in the Qualifiers.
Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sané complete the midfield, focusing on ball possession. Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade emerges as the group’s surprise top scorer.
The defense features Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, who return after minor injuries. David Raum closes down the left flank.
Replacements include Ridle Baku and Serge Gnabry for rotation.
Slovak players in focus
Milan Škriniar, captain and defender of Inter Milan, leads Slovakia’s line of three defenders. Your experience in European competitions is crucial.
Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka sets the pace in midfield alongside Ondrej Duda. David Strelec, from Spezia, is the center forward with two goals in the campaign.
Lukáš Haraslín and David Ďuriš add speed on the wings. Matus Bero guarantees balance in the steering.
The bench brings options like Róbert Boženík to reinforce the attack if necessary.
Recent history between selections
The teams have faced each other five times in the last ten years, with balanced results. Germany won two,Slovakia two, and there was a draw.
The last duel, in September 2025, ended 2-0 for the Slovaks in Bratislava. On that occasion, Strelec and Haraslín scored the goals.
In Leipzig, for the 2020 Euro Cup, Slovakia won 3-1 in a preparatory friendly. These confrontations show mutual competitiveness.
Germany are looking to reverse their run of recent defeats to their rivals.
Tactical strategies for the duel
Julian Nagelsmann plans high pressure from the start, exploiting the speed of Sané and Gnabry. The goal is to neutralize Lobotka in the opponent’s midfield.
Francesco Calzona bets on defensive compactness and quick exits down the flanks. The line of three defenders aims to contain Wirtz and Woltemade.
Both teams maintain low card averages in the competition: 0.3 for Germany and 4.0 for Slovakia per game.
Referee Letexier, known for his rigidity, can influence the flow with few interruptions.
Road to the Qualifiers
Germany beat Luxembourg 4-0 in the previous round, with Woltemade scoring two goals. This victory consolidated their unbeaten record at home.
Slovakia beat Northern Ireland 1-0, goal in stoppage time by Tomáš Bobček. The result eliminated the Northern Irish from the group.
Group A began in March 2025, withm balanced games. UEFA distributes 16 direct places for the World Cup, which takes place in Mexico, the USA and Canada.
Expectations at Red Bull Arena
The stadium in Leipzig, with a capacity for 42 thousand fans, is expected to be full with German support. The temperature is around 8°C, with no rain expected.
Slovak fans travel in smaller numbers, but create a festive atmosphere. The broadcast includes real-time analysis on SporTV.
The game marks the end of the group stage, defining the fate of the teams.
- Germany needs a tie for direct vacancy;
- Slovakia seeks victory for leadership;
- Repeech takes place in March 2026 for runners-up;
- 2026 World Cup has 48 teams, with an expanded format.
