Germany sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 6-0 win over Slovakia in Group A on Monday, capping a dominant qualifying run.

Needing only a point to clinch first place, Germany established control from the outset and never allowed the visitors to settle. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring with a firm header after captain Joshua Kimmich delivered a precise cross into the box. Moments later, Serge Gnabry finished a slick move with Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leon Goretzka, doubling the lead and underlining the hosts' early superiority.

Florian Wirtz became the chief architect as Germany continued to dictate the tempo. The playmaker's incisive passing twice carved open Slovakia's defensive line, first sending Leroy Sane through for a composed third before picking out the winger at the back post for Germany's fourth. Slovakia, who had surprised Germany in the reverse fixture, struggled to build momentum and relied on isolated counterattacks that yielded little threat.

After the break, Germany maintained their grip on possession, shifting the ball calmly and stretching the Slovak defense. Substitute Ridle Baku struck the fifth with a driven effort shortly after entering the match, energizing the Leipzig crowd. The final flourish came late when 19-year-old Assan Ouedraogo marked his senior international debut with a deflected finish following another sharp pass from Sane.

The result confirms Germany as Group A winners and secures their place among the seeded teams for December's final tournament draw. Slovakia now turns its attention to the European play-offs as it attempts to reach the World Cup through the back door.

"Our coach prepared us really well, and we executed everything the way we needed to. In the end we delivered a strong performance. We knew exactly what was at stake, the World Cup is the biggest stage you can experience," Joshua Kimmich said.

In the other matches, Northern Ireland edged Luxembourg 1-0 to close their campaign. In Group G, the Netherlands secured their World Cup 2026 berth with a routine 4-0 win over Lithuania, scoring three times in a four-minute burst around the hour mark. Poland beat Malta 3-2 but finished second behind Oranje, sending Robert Lewandowski's side into the play-offs. In Group L, Croatia completed an unbeaten qualifying run with 22 points after a 3-2 victory over Montenegro, while the Czech Republic routed Gibraltar 6-0 to seal second place in the section.