For Francesco Calzona‘s men, the match represents a pivotal moment in their quest for the World Cup. Kosovo, meanwhile, arrive with momentum and ambition, promising a contest that could swing either way.

This isn’t just about points — it’s about controlling destiny in the UEFA play-off bracket, with both nations aware that the next 90 minutes could define their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What happens if Slovakia beat Kosovo today?

If Slovakia beat Kosovo today, Slovakia will stay alive and take a major step toward advancing in the UEFA play‑off Path C for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Slovakia qualified for this two‑round knockout stage by finishing second in Group A.

That win would put Slovakia into the Path C final on March 31, against the winner of the other semi‑final in their bracket (Turkey or Romania). The play‑off finals are single‑match, win‑or‑go‑home affairs.

A victory over Kosovo boosts Slovakia’s confidence and keeps their World Cup dream alive, but they would still need to overcome their Path C final opponent to actually clinch a place in the tournament.

What happens if Slovakia and Kosovo tie?

If Slovakia and Kosovo tie today, both teams will remain in the UEFA 2026 World Cup play‑off picture, but the tie opens up a more complicated path forward. UEFA play‑off matches in this round are single‑leg knockout games.

If the match is tied at the end of regulation in this playoff format (March 26 semifinals), it will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to decide who moves on to the Path C final on March 31.

So a tie at full time doesn’t leave things unresolved: it simply prolongs the match until one team earns progression. The winning side would then move on to face the other Path C semi‑final winner with a chance to clinch World Cup qualification.

What happens if Slovakia lose to Kosovo today?

If Slovakia lose to Kosovo today, Kosovo would advance to the Path C final, and Slovakia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign would be over, at least via this play‑off route.

The play‑offs only offer two knockout rounds to decide the final four European qualifiers, and losing in the semi‑final stage eliminates a team from those spots.

Finland‘s dream to get the gold was stopped by Canada in the most heartbreaking way possible. The Europeans were winning the game 2-0 and then Canada, without Sidney Crosby, were able to rally and get a shattering comeback that broke Finnish’s hearts. MacKinnon scored the decisive goal with 36 seconds to go.

As for Slovakia, it wasn’t as close. They got trumped by Team USA 6-2 despite Samuel Hlavaj heroics by doing 19 saves on 23 shots before being pulled. Still, Stanislav Skorvanek replaced him and made another 15 saves. However, USA showed there are levels.

What happens if Finland beats Slovakia?

A victory for Finland in this game would give the nordic squad the bronze medal in this Winter Olympics of Milano Cortina. This is a “win and you get in the history books” kind of game. Still, it might feel like a step down as Finland won gold at the last Olympics in Beijing.

Slovakia is not as strong of a team as Finland, at least during this tournament. In the end, Finland’s goal was to validate the gold won four years ago. In the end, Finland is a sizable favorite even in the betting odds.

What happens if Finland and Slovakia tie?

Since Olympic men’s hockey semifinals are single-elimination, a tie at the end of the three 20-minute periods is impossible. Unlike preliminary rounds where a draw might result in shared points, these games must produce a definitive winner to determine who gets the bronze medal.

In case of a tie after three periods, the game enters a 10-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime. This format is designed to open the ice, placing a premium on transition speed and puck possession. Should the overtime period end scoreless, the winner is decided by a best-of-five shootout featuring an alternating shot sequence.

The technical structure of these rules significantly raises the stakes of every game, which is what you want in a medal game. Coaches are forced to pivot their strategies, tailoring specific lines for the wide-open 3-on-3 format, while goaltenders must prepare for the psychological pressure of a potential shootout.

What happens if Finland loses to Slovakia today?

A loss here would mean that Finland return from the Winter Olympics would be empty-handed. Slovakia would earn the bronze medal while Finland would go from gold-to-none in the span of only one Olympic period.

Germany needed a tie or a win to qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup. Slovakia needed to win. Now that the game ended 6-0 in favor of Germany, the dust settled and we know who will go to the tournament.

As for Slovakia, the World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs await. The draw will happen on November 20th, where the 16 teams qualified will know their opponents. Out of the 16 teams, 12 are the group runner-ups, and the other four are the best-ranked group winners of the 24/25 UEFA Nations League.

It was the perfect game for Germany

Germany were not hesitant at all. Since the game started, the Bavarians were in full control and really aggresive. The first half ended 4-0 in favor of them. The game was just perfect for Die Mannschaft.

The second half was more of the same, as the home side added more goals to the end result. Not only that, the team was defensively sound as it barely suffered. Germany had full selfish intentions as they racked up 70% of the ball possession, Slovakia had little to no chance to even touch the ball.

Germany’s final numbers in the World Cup Qualifiers

Germany ended with the lead in the Group A thanks to five wins and one loss. This also serves as a revenge as it was Slovakia the one who beat Germany back in Matchday 5.

They scored 16 and received just three goals during their six games. In the end, while not pretty, it was enough to guarantee the direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Germany are a four-time winner of the tournament, so they will be one of the favorites to win it all.

Having clinched four victories while dropping one match to Slovakia, Germany need to maintain an unwavering focus in their encounter with the Slovaks. Their aim is to elate the fans filling the seats at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, making a strong showing today all the more crucial.

In their previous matchup, Germany overcame Luxembourg by a two-goal margin, a team situated in Group A alongside Northern Ireland and, of course, Slovakia. With Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, the Germans are determined to secure a victory that would bolster their dreams of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

For Slovakia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team boasts an impressive record of four wins and only one defeat. In a notable upset, it bested Germany 2-0 on home turf, and it aims to replicate this performance on German soil.

What happens if Germany beat Slovakia today?

If Germany triumph over Slovakia in the World Cup Qualifiers game, they will secure a direct berth to the 2026 World Cup. Regardless of the goal margin, earning three points will see the Germans join the roster of teams already qualified for next year’s competition.

This victory would mark their 21st World Cup qualification, reinforcing their status as the second-highest participant in World Cup history, just behind Brazil, which has appeared in every tournament since its inception.

What happens if Germany and Slovakia tie?

A draw against Slovakia would also secure Germany a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup. Even though they are currently tied on points (12), Germany’s goal differential (+7) compared to that of Slovakia (+4) provides additional assurance.

What happens if Germany lose to Slovakia today?

If Germany lose against Slovakia today, they will finish second in Group A and therefore be forced to go through the European playoffs. Being level on points with Slovakia in the standings, a loss would make Germany enter another battle for the final 2026 World Cup spots.

[Watch Germany vs Slovakia online in the US on Fubo]

It’s shaping up to be one of the marquee clashes of the UEFA Qualifiers, as the two top contenders in Group A square off with the inside track to first place on the line. Germany enters the night level with Slovakia at 15 points but holds the edge on goal difference, giving the hosts a slight cushion if things finish level.

Slovakia, though, has already shown it can rattle the group leaders after beating them on Matchday 1, and the visitors arrive hungry for a statement result that could power a dramatic push into the top spot.

When will the Germany vs Slovakia match be played?

Germany play against Slovakia this Monday, November 17, for Matchday 6 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Germany vs Slovakia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Germany vs Slovakia in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Germany and Slovakia will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

[Watch Slovakia vs Germany online in the US on Fubo]

After two disappointing World Cup campaigns, Germany is eager to reclaim its spot among the tournament favorites, and the road back starts with qualifying. Placed in a group that looks manageable on paper, the Germans face Slovakia, their toughest challenge.

Slovakia enter this game as the underdog but will be motivated to make an impact and secure a strong result on home turf, setting up a clash that could test Germany’s resolve early in the campaign.

When will the Slovakia vs Germany match be played?

Slovakia play against Germany this Thursday, September 4, for Matchday 1 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Slovakia vs Germany: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Slovakia vs Germany in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Slovakia and Germany will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: Fox Soccer Plus, ViX.

[Watch Slovenia vs Slovakia live in the USA for FREE on Fubo]

The first-leg showdown between these two rivals lived up to expectations, showcasing the tight, competitive nature of the series. A goalless draw leaves the tie wide open heading into the second leg, which promises to be much more exciting than the lackluster opener.

While Slovenia might hold a slight edge by playing the decisive match at home, Slovakia’s roster is more than capable of posing serious challenges, making the outcome of this contest far from certain.

When will the Slovenia vs Slovakia match be played?

Slovenia take on Slovakia in the first leg 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs this Sunday, March 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM (ET).

Slovenia vs Slovakia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:00 PM

CT: 12:00 PM

MT: 11:00 AM

PT: 10:00 AM

How to watch Slovenia vs Slovakia in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Slovenia and Slovakia live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: ViX.

[Watch Slovakia vs Slovenia live in the USA for FREE on Fubo]

This matchup has all the makings of a thriller, as Slovenia and Slovakia clash in a battle between two evenly matched teams with plenty at stake. Slovenia secured third place in a competitive group featuring Norway and Austria, showing flashes of quality despite falling short against the group’s top teams.

Their dominance over Kazakhstan, however, earned them a spot in this stage. On the other side, Slovakia narrowly missed out on direct promotion after a tight race with Sweden and will be determined to capitalize on this opportunity to secure their place at the next level.

When will the Slovakia vs Slovenia match be played?

Slovakia will face Slovenia in the first leg 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs this Thursday, March 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:45 PM (ET).

Slovakia vs Slovenia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM

CT: 2:45 PM

MT: 1:45 PM

PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Slovakia vs Slovenia in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Slovakia and Slovenia live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: ViX.

In the end, Gareth Southgate’s squad got a ticket to the quarterfinals thanks to a second goal scored by Harry Kane. However, there’s no question that Jude was the man who saved England from an embarrassing episode.

Now, the next challenge is Switzerland. A very dangerous opponent which just eliminated the defending champions, Italy. A blockbuster showdown on Saturday, July 5th at Düsseldorf.

Video: Jude Bellingham’s controversial gesture in England vs Slovakia

As Jude Bellingham immediately became trending topic worldwide after his amazing goal, a controversial video of the player emerged. During the celebration on the pitch at Gelsenkirchen, Jude seemed to make an obscene gesture toward the Slovakian bench.

However, when Bellingham realized the impact of the sequence, he clarified what happened. According to the star, the gesture had nothing to do with any insult for the rivals.

This was his message. “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”

Shortly after the Slovakian goal, social media was flooded with hilarious memes mocking England‘s initial poor performance and the shock of potentially being eliminated. As the final whistle blew, the internet exploded with even more memes, this time celebrating England’s dramatic comeback. From jokes about the team’s shaky start to humorous takes on Kane and Bellingham’s heroics, the online reactions were relentless and entertaining.

Despite boasting a squad filled with top-tier talent, England’s early struggles were evident, but their resilience and determination shone through in the end. The fans’ initial displeasure turned into jubilation, and the social media frenzy reflected the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding England’s performance in this year’s tournament.

Funniest memes of England’s shocking elimination

Despite boasting a squad filled with top-tier talent, England’s lack of ideas and inability to break down Slovakia’s defense was evident. The fans’ displeasure and the social media frenzy reflect the high expectations and deep frustration surrounding England’s performance before Bellingham’s equalizer with a fantastic bicycle kick goal.

Then, in the start of extra time, Kane took over and got the 2-1 lead thanks to a solid header. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka couldn’t reach the ball and the entire stadium at Gelsenkirchen exploded.

Now, England will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Although the performances for the Three Lions are worrying, this could be the boost needed to conquer the European Cup for the first time.