Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said his side “wanted to send a message” after Monday’s 6-0 demolition of Slovakia in Leipzig, a victory that secured their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Leroy Sane scored twice, while Nick Woltemade continued his scoring streak, finding the net for the third consecutive Germany game.

The win ensured Germany finished atop Group A, earning direct qualification to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Slovakia, finishing second, will enter the playoffs.

“Everyone wanted to send a message today. Everyone knew what was at stake,” Kimmich told Germany’s ZDF. “In Germany, we’re not used to it being difficult to qualify — that’s why I’m very happy with how we played.”

Germany, who had struggled against underdog opponents during the campaign, were in full flow in Leipzig, leading 4-0 by halftime.

Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute, continuing his impressive run of form. Serge Gnabry doubled the lead 11 minutes later. Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz then came to life under pressure, providing two assists to Sane in a five-minute spell before the break.

In the second half, Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouedraogo added further goals, completing the emphatic victory.

“We’re relieved. It’s a great moment,” Woltemade said. “I’m playing, I’m scoring goals, and I’m hopefully playing at the World Cup. Tonight, we showed the quality we have in this team. It was a pleasure.”

The win also guarantees Germany, four-time World Cup winners, a high seeding, which should protect them from an early clash with other tournament favorites.

“Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “We showed incredible team spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very beginning.”

A Fifth Straight Victory

Monday’s emphatic win marked Germany’s fifth consecutive victory, capping a solid but at times underwhelming qualifying campaign. While efficient, Germany rarely impressed and needed a win to top their group and secure direct qualification.

Slovakia had previously beaten Germany 2-0 in the reverse fixture, marking their first-ever competitive victory over the European giants.

Nagelsmann will take confidence from his team’s strong performance under pressure, with injured stars such as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, and Marc-André ter Stegen expected to return in the coming months.

Woltemade’s opener helped settle Germany early, heading in to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute — his fourth goal in the last three games. After a fingertip save from Oliver Baumann denied Slovakia’s Michal Duris, Gnabry doubled Germany’s lead in the 29th minute.

Wirtz’s precise passing then set up Sane for two quick goals, giving Germany a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.

Nagelsmann substituted captain Kimmich with the game under control, and Baku made an immediate impact, scoring two minutes after coming on. Ouedraogo, introduced with 15 minutes left, added a sixth goal and celebrated in front of the home crowd, completing Germany’s dominant display.