Germany Suffer Historic Defeat as Spain and Libya Secure Crucial World Cup Qualifying Wins

Posted : 05 September 2025

Germany’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start as they fell 2-0 to Slovakia in Bratislava, marking their first ever away loss in a World Cup qualifier. Spain, meanwhile, cruised past Bulgaria with a dominant 3-0 win, while Libya edged Angola to stay alive in the race.

Germany Stunned by Slovakia in Bratislava

Germany endured a shocking start to their qualifying journey with a 2-0 defeat against Slovakia, a team ranked 52nd in the world. It was the first time Germany had ever lost an away World Cup qualifier.

David Hancko opened the scoring in the 42nd minute after Slovakia pressed high and capitalized on sloppy German play in midfield. Just ten minutes into the second half, David Strelec cut through a disorganized defense and fired past Antonio Rüdiger to double the lead.

Missing key attackers such as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Niclas Füllkrug—who pulled out just before kick-off—Germany looked blunt in attack and shaky at the back. Despite dominating possession, Julian Nagelsmann’s side created few real chances. Leon Goretzka squandered a one-on-one opportunity, while Florian Wirtz struggled to make an impact.

The defeat adds pressure on Nagelsmann, especially after Germany’s back-to-back group-stage exits in the last two World Cups. The four-time champions, who have lost only four World Cup qualifiers in history, will seek redemption in their next match against Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday.

Spain Cruise to Comfortable Win in Bulgaria

Euro 2024 winners Spain began their qualification campaign in style with a 3-0 away victory over Bulgaria. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino inside the first half sealed the win in Sofia.

Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi assisted Oyarzabal’s early strike, while Cucurella pounced on a loose ball to extend the lead. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal then delivered a pinpoint corner that Merino headed home just before the break.

Spain continued to dominate in the second half, with Merino hitting the crossbar and Yamal impressing without scoring. Luis de la Fuente also welcomed back Rodri and Dani Carvajal from long-term injuries and handed Jesús Rodríguez his debut late on. Spain next face Turkey, who defeated Georgia 3-2, in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.

Libya Eliminate Angola to Stay in Contention

In Luanda, Libya defeated Angola 1-0 to keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup alive. Ezoo El Mariamy scored the decisive goal in the 48th minute with a header from Ali Salama’s cross.

Angola pressed hard for an equalizer, hitting the post through M’Bala Nzola and testing goalkeeper Mohamed Al Woheshi, who later left injured and was replaced by Ayman Suleiman Al Tihar. Despite late pressure, the hosts could not find a breakthrough and were mathematically eliminated from contention.

Elsewhere in Group C, Cape Verde beat Mauritania 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table, four points clear of Cameroon.

Germany Suffer Historic Defeat as Spain and Libya Secure Crucial World Cup Qualifying Wins

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