Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Germany need only a draw to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but a win is a matter of principle after their September collapse (0:2). Slovakia, on 12 points and already guaranteed a play-off spot, could still chase another sensation.
Germany
Germany top the group with 12 points from five matches (four wins and one defeat), but their football has been unconvincing: hard-fought victories over Northern Ireland (1:0) and Luxembourg (2:0). The team create very little — just 2.45 xG across those two games. The main attacking hope is Nick Woltemade, who has scored three times in the last two qualifiers, while Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi and Burkardt have managed only one goal between them. Defensively Germany conceded only three goals, but both Northern Ireland (0.11 xG) and Slovakia (1.24 xG for two goals) punished them efficiently.
Slovakia
Slovakia missed a huge opportunity: their sensational win over Germany (2:0) briefly sent them top, but a defeat to Northern Ireland (0:2) ruined their momentum. Even so, their defensive record is outstanding — only two goals conceded in the entire campaign, the only mistakes they have made. In the other fixtures the team won to nil with an aggregate score of 6:0. David Strelec and Dávid Hancko are in excellent form (1+1 each) and can help Slovakia secure a respectable result.
Germany vs Slovakia Prediction
Germany are favourites, but Slovakia will not fold easily. The hosts have not shown convincing football recently, and the visitors have been extremely solid.
